The Department of Agriculture (DA) has reminded rice retailers to comply with the ₱50-per-kilo price cap on 5% broken imported rice.
According to the agency, only 368 out of 822 inspected rice stalls were found to be complying with the mandated price ceiling.
During a press conference, DA Spokesperson Asec. Arnel de Mesa said the agency has issued Notices of Violation (NOVs) to 36 retailers that failed to implement the price cap.
The retailers cited in the violations are located in Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, Central Luzon, the Negros Island Region, and the Bicol Region.
Meanwhile, the DA reported that nationwide compliance with the price cap stands at 44.7 percent, while compliance in Metro Manila has reached 70 percent.
The agency reiterated its call for retailers to adhere to the government-mandated pricing policy to help keep rice affordable for consumers.
