The Department of Agriculture – Provincial Agricultural Technology Coordinating Office (DA-PATCO) in Negros Oriental has cautioned sellers of imported rice to adhere to the government’s P50 per kilo price cap or risk facing severe penalties, an official said.

Dana Sampilo, focal person of the Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk Program (PAFFP), also said consumers should be vigilant about the rice they purchase as some sellers are interchanging the brand names of local and commercial rice to charge inflated prices.

“Last week, a team from DA-PATCO went to a town in Negros Oriental in response to a complaint they got about a store supposedly selling imported rice at a price exceeding the limit,” Sampilo said.

Upon review, it became evident that the rice being offered was local and was misrepresented as commercial, she added.

No one was apprehended, but the DA-PATCO warned the seller of penalties if it continues with the illegal practice.

Danford Sy, a major rice wholesaler in the province, said they are offering commercial rice at P46 per kilogram.

That would give a rice retailer enough profit for a 50-kilo bag of rice if sold within the price cap range, he said.

Even if they observe the price limit at their level, Sy said they lack control over the retailers selling the imported rice.

The government’s price cap for commercial rice is effective from May 13 to June 13, as outlined in Executive Order 118, to prevent unreasonable price hikes and profiteering during these challenging times. (PNA)