Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) reported an increase in compliance with the price cap for 5 percent broken imported rice in Metro Manila. The PHP50 per kg price cap for imported rice was imposed following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s issuance of Executive Order 118 on May 13, with the measure set to be effective for 30 days.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa noted during a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon (BPN) briefing that more retailers are adhering to the price cap. Initially, many retailers struggled to comply due to higher acquisition costs from their sources. However, compliance has improved significantly, with a 63 percent compliance rate reported among retailers in the National Capital Region (NCR).

To ensure adherence to the price cap, the DA has coordinated efforts with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government units (LGUs). Spot-checking and surprise inspections are being conducted in local markets to reinforce compliance within the 30-day period.

Additionally, the DA plans to meet to discuss the implementation of the PHP53 per kg suggested retail price (SRP) for local rice. De Mesa emphasized that price control measures should be temporary to avoid market distortion, suggesting that they are most effective over short durations.

Aside from the price cap on imported rice, the PHP20 per kg rice under the Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na program remains available to the vulnerable sector at Kadiwa ng Pangulo (KNP) sites nationwide. The rollout of this program is ongoing, with the goal of establishing more than 1,500 sites across the country. Currently, there are 787 active KNP sites nationwide.