By Darryl John Esguerra

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the imposition of a temporary mandated price ceiling on imported rice amid what the government described as unjustified price increases and market abuse triggered by the Middle East crisis-induced supply disruption.

Under Executive Order (EO) No. 118, imported rice with 5-percent broken content will be subject to a maximum retail price of PHP50 per kilogram for 30 days.

The order was issued following the recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), which called for immediate intervention to ensure the availability of affordable rice while maintaining market stability.

The EO cited Republic Act No. 7581 or the Price Act, which authorizes the President to impose price ceilings on basic necessities and prime commodities in cases of unreasonable price increases, hoarding, profiteering, and market manipulation.

It also referenced Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024, which penalizes hoarding, cartelization, profiteering, smuggling, and other forms of manipulation involving agricultural commodities.

The order further cited Executive Order No. 110 declaring a state of national energy emergency due to the ongoing Middle East conflict, noting that rising global uncertainties have affected supply chains and commodity prices.

“The government must undertake urgent measures to protect consumers from profiteering and to ensure the adequate supply, reasonable pricing, and accessibility of rice,” the EO stated.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) were directed to strictly enforce the price ceiling and monitor abnormal price movements in the market.

The Bureau of Customs was also ordered to intensify inspections and enforcement operations against smuggling, hoarding, and illegal rice importation, including the seizure and confiscation of smuggled rice when warranted.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Competition Commission, in coordination with the DTI and DA, was tasked to act against cartelization, abuse of dominance, and other anti-competitive practices.

The Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies were likewise instructed to assist in the implementation of the order.

The EO takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)

Published Date: May 13, 2026