By: Jordeene B. Lagare – Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) is optimistic that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will sign an executive order setting a P50-per-kilogram price ceiling on imported rice before the end of April.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the order could be issued within the month, citing the President’s support for the proposed measure.

“Hopefully, before the end of the month,” Tiu Laurel told reporters on the sidelines of the 2026 Department of Trade and Industry–Bagong Pilipinas National Food Fair in Mandaluyong City.

According to the DA, the proposed cap was earlier endorsed by the National Price Coordinating Council as part of the government’s response to rising fuel costs triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

The agency said the move is also intended to prevent what it described as unreasonable price increases in the market and protect consumers from possible abuse by traders.

Last month, the DA said the proposed price ceiling reflects the government’s broader effort to stabilize the cost of basic commodities amid external economic pressures.

Published Date: April 9, 2026