Pili: The majority of rice vendors in Pili and Naga City, Camarines Sur, are complying with Executive Order (EO) No. 118, s. 2026, which sets a PHP50-per-kilo price cap on 5-percent broken imported rice, the Department of Agriculture in Bicol (DA-Bicol) said Tuesday. DA-Bicol spokesperson Lovella Guarin stated that Regional Executive Director Rodel Tornilla led the inspection at the Pili Public Market on Monday as part of price monitoring following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure no one takes advantage of imported rice prices during the crisis.
According to Philippines News Agency, the inspection revealed that in Pili, all vendors were compliant, while in Naga City, two stalls were found selling rice at PHP55 per kilo. Guarin mentioned that the establishment owners are expected to provide an explanation for exceeding the mandated price cap. The DA price monitoring team conducts inspections daily, with the Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Division assigning personnel per province. Guarin also noted that price tags must indicate the variety of imported rice and its country of origin.
The price cap was implemented on May 13, 2026, and will remain effective for 30 days. Under Republic Act 7581 (Price Act), violators may face criminal or administrative penalties, including temporary or permanent closure, license suspension, fines ranging from PHP5,000 to PHP1 million, and imprisonment. DA-Bicol will continue on-site monitoring of rice prices in public markets for as long as EO 118 is in effect.
