Malacañang on Thursday urged consumers to report retailers violating the government's PHP50-per-kilogram rice price cap to help authorities enforce regulations and protect buyers.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Agriculture (DA) has issued notices to establishments found violating the price cap. "The DA said it has already issued notices regarding these violations. As of now, these cases are being investigated," Castro told Palace reporters.
She called on the public to immediately report overpricing cases to the DA or Malacañang for proper investigation. "We encourage our fellow citizens that if you see anyone abusing rice prices, please report it to us here or to the Department of Agriculture so it can be investigated and those responsible can be held accountable," she said.
Extension of Price Cap Under Study
Castro said the DA is expected to recommend extending the PHP50-per-kilo rice price cap beyond its scheduled expiration on June 30. The DA is currently studying the proposal, which would still be subject to the National Price Coordinating Council's recommendation and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s approval.
Marcos, through Executive Order 118, imposed a PHP50-per-kilogram price cap on imported rice as a temporary measure to address price increases and market abuse. The DA is considering recommending a 30-day extension of the price cap for 5 percent broken imported rice.
Penalties for Violators
The agency earlier warned that erring retailers may face penalties for possible violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law and Price Act. This came after the DA issued 36 notices of violations to rice price cap violators.
On June 10, 2026, Department of Agriculture Assistant Secretary Joycel Panlilio led an inspection and price monitoring at New Las Piñas Public Market in Las Piñas City. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reiterated the importance of consumer cooperation in curbing overpricing and protecting buyers.
