DTI Intensifies Rice Price Surveillance to Safeguard Filipino Consumers

MANILA – In a bid to keep rice affordable for Filipino households, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has escalated its nationwide price surveillance. The initiative aims to maintain the price of regular and well-milled rice between PHP40 and PHP45 per kilogram. DTI Secretary Cristina Roque emphasized the critical role of rice as a staple in Filipino diets and vowed to crack down on any price manipulation or exploitation. Roque stated, ‘We will not tolerate any attempts to exploit the public by manipulating its price.’ The DTI’s monitoring teams are diligently checking markets throughout the country to enforce compliance with fair trade regulations. Violators face severe penalties, including fines and business closures. This intensified effort is conducted in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture (DA) to adhere strictly to the Price Act (RA 7581), as amended by RA 10623, and to thwart hoarding and price manipulation. The law is designed to protect consumers from unjust price hikes and exploitation during supply shortages or emergencies. Roque concluded, ‘Through our whole-of-government approach, we are working tirelessly to build a secure and prosperous Bagong Pilipinas where no one is left behind.’