Senator Imee Marcos has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to exercise its authority under the law to ease the burden on consumers as fuel and food prices continue to surge.
Marcos pointed out that despite the DA’s ₱50 per kilo suggested retail price (SRP) for rice, the market has failed to comply.
“Kahit itinakda ng DA ang ₱50 kada kilo ng bigas, hindi pa rin ito nasusunod sa merkado. Sa ngayon wala nang mabili na regular at well-milled rice sa naturang presyo. Premium rice na lamang ang available at umaabot na sa ₱62 kada kilo,” she said.
She added that pork prices have also spiked, rising from ₱200–₱250 per kilo to as high as ₱350.
Marcos questioned Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.’s claim that the DA has no power against overpricing and profiteering, stressing that the Price Act (RA 7581 as amended by RA 10263) clearly grants the agency authority to intervene.
“Di ba niya alam ang Price Act… na nagbibigay sa kanya ng kapangyarihan na makialam sa presyo ng pangunahing agricultural products, katulad ng awtoridad ng Department of Trade and Industry sa processed goods?” Marcos said.
According to her, the DA can investigate, impose fines, issue cease-and-desist or restraining orders, suspend or cancel permits, seize products, and file cases against violators.
The law also covers setting SRPs and price ceilings for fish, meat, poultry, milk, and other agricultural products, especially during sudden price hikes.