EO 39 on the ceiling price of rice gained support
RICE PRICE CEILING – The Executive Order (EO) No. 39 has gained support from key stakeholders. President Marcos signed and issued EO 39 on August 31, and it took effect on September 5.
The executive order mandates that the price cap per kilogram for regular milled rice is P41 and P45 for well-milled rice. The price of rice has continued to surge in the past few months due to some factors. This includes inflation as well as the tight situation in demand and supply. The food groups with the highest contribution to food inflation during the month of August 2023 were cereals and cereal products. This group comprises rice, corn, flour, bread, and other bakery products
The Presidential Communications Office (PCO) reported that key stakeholders from the agriculture sector in the MIMAROPA and Eastern Visayas regions expressed their support for the implementation of EO 39.
“Bantay Baklura ARBs and Farmers’ Association President Lilian Macalood said that they support the decision of President Marcos to implement the mandated price ceilings on rice. They hope that the prices of rice will remain consistent,” the PCO added.
In addition, Palawan ARC Cooperative Federation General Manager Reymundo Imaysay also expressed his support for the implementation of the price ceiling. He sees the good intention of the executive order, especially when it is successfully enforced.
Meanwhile, President Marcos has directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to jointly monitor the prices of rice by visiting wet markets, supermarkets, warehouses, and storage areas, according to the PCO. This is to ensure effective implementation of the executive order and prevent hoarding, profiteering, and other illegal activities.
Moreover, the DA, DTI, and DILG inspected Metro Manila markets on September 5. This is to ensure compliance with the established price ceiling for both regular and well-milled rice.
Furthermore, “the Office of the Executive Secretary also emphasized that any inquiry or complaint about the executive order can be routed through the government’s 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Center,” the PCO said.