The Department of Agriculture has issued a stern warning to rice retailers, traders, and importers against violating the government-imposed P50-per-kilo price ceiling on imported rice as authorities continue to intensify monitoring operations nationwide.
According to the agency, businesses found selling imported rice beyond the mandated ceiling price may face serious penalties, including million-peso fines, imprisonment, and possible closure of operations.
The warning comes as the government strengthens enforcement efforts to ensure that imported rice remains affordable for Filipino consumers amid continuing economic and market challenges affecting food prices across the country.
Authorities emphasized that the price ceiling was implemented to protect consumers from excessive pricing and to help stabilize rice costs for ordinary Filipino families. Inspection teams are currently conducting monitoring and validation in different markets and rice retail outlets to ensure compliance with the regulation.
The Department of Agriculture also encouraged the public to immediately report establishments allegedly violating the approved pricing policy to help authorities address irregularities and protect consumers from overpricing.
Officials reiterated that maintaining fair rice prices is part of the government’s broader effort to secure food accessibility and ease the financial burden on households affected by rising living costs.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez, PBB Photojournalist
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