ILOILO City — The Department of Agriculture (DA) has warned rice retailers across Western Visayas to strictly comply with the government-imposed P50-per-kilogram price ceiling on imported rice or face stiff penalties that could include million-peso fines, closure of establishments, and imprisonment.
The warning came as the national government intensified enforcement of Executive Order No. 118 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., which imposes a temporary maximum Suggested Retail Price (SRP) of P50 per kilo for imported rice nationwide.
DA Region 6 reminded retailers operating in wet markets, grocery stores, supermarkets, and other retail outlets that the mandated ceiling covers imported rice with 5% broken grains and will remain effective for 30 days unless earlier lifted upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).
The agency stressed that violators would face sanctions under existing consumer protection and fair trade laws.
“Selling imported rice beyond the mandated price ceiling is prohibited,” DA-6 stressed.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. also warned rice retailers, traders, and importers that the government now has stronger enforcement powers under the mandated price ceiling policy.
“Unlike the previous maximum suggested retail price that depended largely on moral suasion and voluntary compliance, the mandated price ceiling now allows the Department of Agriculture to impose punitive sanctions and fines on violators,” Laurel said.
Under Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, violators may face imprisonment ranging from one to 10 years, fines from P5,000 to P1 million, or both.
Administrative penalties may also include temporary or permanent closure of establishments, seizure or confiscation of products, suspension or revocation of business permits and licenses, and cease-and-desist orders.
The DA added that administrative fines ranging from P1,000 to P1 million may also be imposed on erring establishments, while corporate officers and employees involved in violations may be held personally liable under the law.
To ensure strict implementation of the order, the President directed the Department of Trade and Industry and the DA to closely monitor rice prices and investigate abnormal price movements.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies were also ordered to assist in enforcing the price cap, while the Bureau of Customs was tasked to intensify operations against hoarding, smuggling, and illegal rice importation./PN
