Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed alarm over the continued sale of imported rice at PHP 60 per kilo, calling it “profiteering” during a press briefing on Monday.
Tiu Laurel cited findings from recent discussions with rice importers and millers, pointing out that imported rice priced this high undermines efforts to stabilize the rice market and poses risks to consumer affordability and local farmers’ incomes.
“In our meetings with importers, it’s clear that imported rice (that is 5 percent broken) should not be sold at PHP 60 per kilo,” he said. “Selling imported rice at that price is already profiteering, in my opinion.”
The agriculture chief added that for imported rice with 25 percent broken grains, the price should not exceed PHP 50 per kilo, even accounting for margins to support importers’ and retailers’ profitability.
To address the issue, the Department of Agriculture (DA) is working on a maximum suggested retail price framework for rice, expected to be finalized by the end of January.
However, Tiu Laurel clarified that this would serve as a guide, not a legally mandated price cap.
Despite the reduction of rice import tariffs from 35% to 15% under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration, prices of imported rice have remained elevated.
The DA believes labeling practices contribute to overpricing and has proposed regulations to eliminate “premium” or “special” labels on imported rice.
“We know consumers are very brand-conscious, and labels like ‘premium’ or ‘special’ often attract higher prices even if the quality doesn’t justify it,” Tiu Laurel said.
The proposed rule would categorize imported rice solely by type, country of origin, and percentage of broken grains. Locally branded rice, however, will be exempt from this labeling restriction.
To offer affordable alternatives, the DA is expanding the sale of Sulit Rice, a 100% broken but high-quality variety priced at PHP 36 per kilo.
The initiative has received positive feedback from pilot testing and is set to roll out in more KADIWA ng Pangulo centers nationwide.
The department is also exploring the sale of affordable 5% broken rice to further lower costs for consumers.
Meanwhile, Nutri Rice, a nutritious but slightly polished variety, is being promoted as an alternative to standard white rice.
