Davao: Authorities led by the Department of Agriculture-Davao (DA-11) mounted a massive monitoring operation at Bankerohan public market to enforce the PHP50-per-kilo price ceiling on imported rice under Executive Order (EO) 118 on Monday. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued EO 118, imposing a nationwide temporary price ceiling on imported regular/well-milled rice (5% broken) for 30 days, subject to lifting upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

According to Philippines News Agency, during an interview on the sidelines of the inspection, DA-11 regional director Macario Gonzaga said inspectors observed mixed compliance among retailers and wholesalers. While several stalls complied with the mandate, setting prices between PHP49 and PHP50, some vendors exceeded the cap by PHP2-PHP3, citing wholesale and capital costs.

'We are appealing to retailers, wholesalers, and especially importers because they are the root source. Price originates from them, so they must adjust and follow the mandate issued by the President,' Gonzaga stressed. The crackdown involves teams from the DA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

Gonzaga said the strategy now shifts from announced visits to daily random spot checks. Authorities also warned against 'price switching'-displaying compliant tags during inspections but reverting to higher prices afterward. 'Our monitoring teams will be on the ground every day. Surprise inspections will catch violators, who will be issued notices and summoned to explain,' Gonzaga added.