Lawmakers score P59 rice SRP
LAWMAKERS disagreed with the Department of Agriculture on the P59 per kilo suggested retail price for rice.
In the resumption of the Quinta Comm, also known as the Murang Pagkain Supercommittee, some House members have criticized the DA for setting the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for rice at P58 per kilo, calling the figure “unrealistic” and “disservice to consumers.”
Deputy Majority Leader Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin expressed her frustration during the hearing and accused the DA of failing to address key issues in the rice supply chain that have driven up prices.
The panel decided to invite Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel to the next hearing.
“Bakit naman si DA may MSRP na P58, saang planeta ito nanggaling, Mr. Chair?” Garin said.
According to Garin the MSRP should have been lower after the price of regular milled rice dropped.
Chairperson of the committee Albay Rep. Joey Salceda also questioned DA Undersecretary Asis Perez on the basis of the P58 per kilo MSRP.
“Diyos ko ang taas nun,” said Salceda noting the cost of imported rice has gone down to between P44 and P47, while the buying price for palay (unmilled rice) has fallen as well.
Garin said in an inspection and consultation with the wholesalers in Bulacan, “it was announced in the media by no other than Sec. Kiko Tiu Laurel together with the DA family that they will bring down the price of rice to P45 to P49, parang P49 yung premium.” \
Sultan Kudarat Rep. Honacio Suansing Jr., who was present in the said meeting, agreed with Garin.
The price of regular rice is being sold at P37 to P38 in the market.
“How can we control the price of rice when the agency that is supposed to guide us is pegging it at a high price?” Garin asked.
Garin cited reports showing that the landed cost of imported rice ranged from P35 to P39 per kilo, significantly lower than the DA’s MSRP.
Even with logistics and markups, she argued, rice should not exceed P45 to P49 per kilo at retail.
Perez defended the P58 MSRP as part of a pilot program for Metro Manila, stating that it was designed to address higher rice prices in the area, reportedly ranging from P62 to P64 per kilo.
