THE Department of Agriculture (DA) is considering putting a stop to the practice of rice being labeled as either “premium” or “special” in the markets.
Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel noticed from the DA’s rounds of markets that some imported rice were being sold at prices higher than they should.
“Ang nakalagay diyan normally premium, special, pero ‘pag tiningnan mo talaga ang label na ‘yun it belongs to a certain price level na hindi dapat nga d’un,” DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said in a Bernadette Reyes’ report on “24 Oras”.
“Kaya nagkaroon ng idea si Secretary na dapat tanggalin brand na premium, special,” he added.
The DA plans to consult wholesalers and retailers.
“Ipapaliwanag niyo ito dati ‘yung binibili. Malilito po kasi pag pinalitan ‘yung label,” rice retailer Rowena Aquilla said.
“Kung buong bansang Pilipinas pinatutupad ‘yan, wala kami magagawa,” added another seller Javier Villena.
De Mesa said that the Agriculture secretary would release a statement on the issue in the coming days. (GMA Integrated News)
