The Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to recommend an extension of the P50-per-kilo maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for rice beyond its June 30, 2026 expiration date, Malacañang announced on Wednesday.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that the DA is studying the extension to maintain affordable rice prices for consumers.
"The DA itself has said it will continue to recommend an extension of the price cap. We will determine whether the National Price Coordinating Council will concur and whether the President will approve it. But they will recommend an extension," Castro said.
Proposed Extension
Castro noted that the proposal must still be evaluated by the National Price Coordinating Council before submission to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for final approval. When asked if the government could approve the extension before the June 30 deadline, Castro said that remains the DA's objective.
"That is what the DA is studying, and that is what it wants," she added.
Retailer Compliance
Authorities are currently investigating several rice retailers for allegedly failing to comply with the price cap. The DA has issued notices to establishments suspected of violating the policy while investigations continue.
"At present, these cases are being investigated, so we encourage our fellow citizens to report anyone they see abusing rice prices. You may inform us here or the Department of Agriculture so these cases can be investigated and those responsible can be held accountable," Castro said.
Enforcement Progress
The DA has not yet provided the exact number of rice retailers under investigation but confirmed that multiple establishments have received notices for non-compliance.
Public Monitoring
Malacañang urged the public to help monitor compliance with the price cap by reporting suspected violations to the proper authorities.
