The local government unit (LGU) of Mandaluyong temporarily suspended the collection of market stall fees for small rice retailers, who are affected by the mandated price ceiling on regular and well-milled rice.
Under Ordinance No. 942, the Mandaluyong Sangguinang Panglungsod also temporarily halted the charges and penalties for non-payment of market stall fees in Mandaluyong public markets 1 and 2.
The suspensions took effect last September 5 and will go on until October 5.
"The suspension within the covered period stated in the immediately preceding section shall only cover rice stalls exclusively selling rice products. Stallholders selling commodities and goods other than the ride products, even if in conjunction with the same, shall not be covered by the suspension," the order reads.
READ: 1-buwang suspendido ang koleksyon ng market stall fee sa mga bigasan sa Mandaluyong para makaagapay sa mga apektado ng price cap, Sept. 5-Oct.5. @dzrhnews @MandaluyongPIO pic.twitter.com/QBCBFrIbo2
— Edniel Parrosa (@ednielparrosa) September 11, 2023
But the Mandaluyong Sangguinang Panglungsod said other fees such as electrical and water bills will continue to be settled.
"All existing duties, responsibilities, and obligations of all covered stallholders in Mandaluyong public markets 1 and 2 shall continue to be imposed," it noted.
Aside from Mandaluyong, several LGUs in Metro cities have also announced that they would provide rental relief for affected rice retailers.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora recently announced that rice retailers at the Agora Market will be getting one month of free rent, alongside the P20,000 financial assistance.
Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian, meanwhile, said affected rice retailers will be treated with three-month free rent.
Last week, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) started the distribution of P15,000 one-time cash assistance to qualified small rice retailers affected imposed price ceiling on rice.
