PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said he will issue an executive order for the imposition of a P50 per kilo price ceiling on imported well-milled rice, as part of government efforts to stabilize food costs.
In a video message Tuesday, March 31, Marcos said the decision was reached following a meeting of the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (Uplift) Committee upon the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council, which monitors and helps regulate the prices of basic goods.
“Pinalalawak din ang P20 rice program. May 627 na center sa buong bansa. Ito’y naging mas malawak dahil dati ang aming pino-provide sa PhP20 rice ay 600 tons, at ngayon umakyat na sa 2,000 tons dahil tumaas ang demand,” the President said.
(The P20 rice program is also being expanded. There are now 627 centers nationwide. It has grown because we previously provided 600 tons, and now it has increased to 2,000 tons due to higher demand.)
Despite current pressures brought about by rising fuel prices due to tensions in the Middle East, Marcos said prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain within suggested retail price levels, including rice.
He added that authorities are closely monitoring 205 essential commodities amid the ongoing energy emergency.
“Patuloy tayong nakikipag-usap sa manufacturer at retailer na hindi sila magtaas muna ng presyo hanggang sa susunod na buwan,” said Marcos.
(We continue to engage with manufacturers and retailers so they will not raise prices until next month.)
The President earlier signed Executive Order 110, declaring a state of national energy emergency in response to the Middle East conflict.
The order authorizes the implementation of fuel allocation plans and conservation measures, and formally adopts the UPLIFT program as the government’s coordinated response framework. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)