The Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) conducted an inspection of rice retailers at Bankerohan Market in Davao City to ensure compliance with the mandated price ceiling on 5 percent broken imported rice.
Monitoring Rice Prices
Macario D. Gonzaga, regional executive director of DA-Davao, stated that the inspection aimed to monitor the price of imported rice in accordance with the price ceiling. He emphasized the importance of protecting consumers during the crisis, noting that some traders may take advantage of the situation by raising prices.
Based on their monitoring, some vendors were selling rice at P2 to P3 higher than the mandated price. However, Gonzaga acknowledged that several stalls complied with the price cap. He attributed the price variations among vendors to the prices they obtained from wholesalers.
Coordinated Efforts
The inspection was conducted in coordination with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Bureau of Plant Industry-Satellite Pesticide Analytical Laboratory (BPI-SPAL), and the Philippine National Police (PNP)-Davao City Field Office. Other government agencies, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Bureau of Customs (BOC), and the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), are assisting the DA in enforcing the price cap.
Warning to Violators
The DA issued a stern warning to market vendors and retailers to strictly comply with the mandate. Under Republic Act No. 7581, also known as the Price Act, individuals found violating the law may face criminal and administrative penalties.
Nationwide Market Visit
The monitoring was part of a simultaneous nationwide market visit and compliance inspection aimed at addressing unjustified price hikes, preventing market abuse, and ensuring the availability of affordable rice for the public while maintaining market stability.
Legal Basis
The inspection is grounded in Executive Order No. 118, signed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., which imposes a strict price cap of P50 per kilogram on 5 percent broken imported rice. The nationwide price ceiling took effect on May 13 and will last for 30 days. The mandate may be extended, modified, or lifted depending on government market evaluations.
