DA: Rice price cap violators face fines, prison

MANILA, Philippines — Monitoring teams and inspectors have intensified checks in public markets, supermarkets and rice retail outlets nationwide amid the 30-day price ceiling on imported rice, according to the Department of Agriculture.

The DA warned rice retailers, traders and importers that violators of the government’s newly imposed price ceiling on imported rice could face jail time, million-peso fines, and even business closures under the Price Act.

President Marcos ordered a 30-day price ceiling on imported five percent broken rice to curb what officials described as “unjustified” retail prices despite easing global rice costs and reduced import tariffs.

Agriculture chief Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the new measure gives the government stronger legal authority compared with earlier pricing interventions.

“Unlike the previous maximum suggested retail price that depended largely on moral suasion and voluntary compliance, the mandated price ceiling now allows the Department of Agriculture to impose punitive sanctions and fines on violators,” Tiu Laurel said.

Under the Price Act, violators of a government-imposed price ceiling on basic necessities may face imprisonment of one to 10 years, fines ranging from P5,000 to P1 million, or both, depending on the court’s discretion.

Rice is classified as a basic necessity under the law, placing it under the regulatory powers of the DA during periods of excessive or unreasonable price increases.

Aside from criminal penalties, the DA may also impose administrative sanctions under the implementing rules of the Price Act.

These include temporary or permanent closure of establishments, confiscation or seizure of products involved in the violation, suspension or revocation of permits and licenses, and the issuance of cease-and-desist orders.

Administrative fines ranging from P1,000 to P1 million may also be imposed on erring establishments.

Officers or employees of corporations found violating the price ceiling may be held personally liable.

The price ceiling may be modified, extended or removed after a review.