DA intensifies SRP crackdown on imported rice and pork

The Department of Agriculture (DA) has intensified its crackdown on violators of the maximum suggested retail price (SRP) for imported rice and pork products, citing uneven compliance as 'alarming'.

Currently, compliance with the SRP is at 20 percent for imported rice and 30 percent for pork products.

Assistant Secretary Genevieve Velicaria-Guevarra noted that despite a max SRP of P360 per kilo for pork shoulder (kasim) and P380 per kilo for pork belly (liempo), prices remain higher by P60 to P120 per kilo.

The DA, along with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is conducting daily inspections in Metro Manila markets to ensure compliance with SRPs and protect consumers.

Velicaria-Guevarra mentioned that hog raisers have pledged to keep farmgate prices at a maximum P230 per kilo to control retail pork prices, while the DA reviews the pork value chain for excessive mark-ups.