The Department of Agriculture-Davao Region (DA-Davao) has issued Notices of Violation to 15 rice vendors at the Bankerohan Public Market in Davao City for non-compliance with the mandated price cap on 5 percent broken imported rice.
Price Cap Enforcement
The agency reported that the vendors were given a 48-hour period to adjust their prices and comply with the directive, warning that failure to do so could result in heavier sanctions.
“The inspection ensured market vendors and retailers were adhering to Executive Order No. 118, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which imposes a strict P50 per kilogram price cap on 5 percent broken imported rice,” DA-Davao stated on June 11, 2026.
Legal Consequences
DA-Davao reminded rice retailers that violations of the price ceiling may lead to criminal and administrative penalties under Republic Act No. 7581, also known as the Price Act.
The inspection was conducted to monitor compliance with Executive Order No. 118, which sets a P50-per-kilogram price ceiling on 5 percent broken imported rice.
Policy Duration and Adjustments
The nationwide price cap took effect on May 13 and was initially set to remain in force for 30 days. The DA indicated that the policy may be extended, modified, or lifted depending on market conditions and government assessment.
Earlier, DA-Davao inspected rice retailers at Bankerohan Public Market to ensure adherence to the price ceiling amid concerns over rising rice prices.
Official Statements
DA-Davao Regional Executive Director Macario D. Gonzaga stated that the inspection aimed to protect consumers from increasing prices, particularly during times when some traders might exploit market conditions.
Gonzaga noted that monitoring showed some vendors selling imported rice at P2 to P3 above the mandated price, while other stalls were already in compliance.
He explained that price differences among vendors were partly due to varying prices they obtained from wholesalers.
The DA-Davao official reiterated that market monitoring and enforcement activities would continue to ensure rice retailers comply with government policies and protect consumers.
