DA recommends extension of P50 price cap on imported rice

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday that it recommended a 30-day extension for the P50 per kilogram price ceiling on imported rice, with the original deadline due to lapse on June 13.

The recommendation follows a market inspection of Metro Manila public markets, including Guadalupe in Makati City, where inspectors found no violations.

Willie Ann M. Angsiy, assistant agriculture secretary for Inspectorate and Enforcement and Legal Service, said any decision to extend would still be up to the National Price Coordinating Council, which will convene on Thursday to discuss whether to endorse the recommendation to President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

“We really want to basically give local rice a fighting chance,” Ms. Angsiy told reporters.

Arnel V. De Mesa, DA spokesman and assistant secretary for Special Concerns and Official Development Assistance, said the recommendation stemmed from strong inflation and the ability for dealers to sell imported rice at or below the cap, as well as pressure from El Niño advisories in rice-supplying countries like Thailand, Vietnam and India.

“Surely another month would not hurt,” Mr. De Mesa  told reporters.

Junibert E. De Sagun, Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service director, said compliance on the price cap rules in Metro Manila rose to more than 80% compared to the 70.14% reported on June 1. — Marron Joshua F. Mendoza