The Department of Agriculture (DA) clarified that it will not impose a suggested retail price (SRP) or price ceiling despite the onslaught of disasters in the country.
“Mag-aadjust ‘yan accordingly. Ang 5 pesos naman depende kung magkano ‘yung dating sa kanila. Hindi naman ‘yon fixed. Hindi naman tayo nags-set ng SRP or price ceiling,” DA Spokesperson Assec. Arnel de Mesa said in an ambush interview with the media on Monday.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, it was mentioned that well-milled rice will be available for 43 pesos per kilogram in Metro Manila starting today.
This follows consultations between the Department of Agriculture and retailers to sell rice at a lower price across markets in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In his visit to a market in Quezon City, Assec. de Mesa learned that rice can be sold at a cheaper price.
De Mesa further stated that they will look into the possibility of price manipulation in the past rice prices, especially since the consecutive typhoons have had little impact on the rice supply, unlike vegetables, which were significantly affected.
Meanwhile, in a separate interview with DZRH, the group Bantay Bigas downplayed the DA's consultation with retailers.
According to Cathy Estavillo, spokesperson of the group, the government should subsidize local producers rather than lower tariffs or negotiate with retail prices.
