To protect Filipino consumers from rising food costs and market exploitation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 118, imposing a nationwide price cap of PhP 50.00 per kilogram on imported rice. The directive, which takes effect immediately, will remain in place for 30 days unless lifted earlier.
The Chief Executive acted upon the urgent recommendation of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) to address unjustified price spikes, deter profiteering, and guarantee an affordable supply of the country’s staple grain.
“There is a need for urgent measures to protect consumers by curbing profiteering and other abusive market practices, and to ensure the adequate supply, reasonable pricing, and accessibility of rice for all Filipinos,” the Executive Order stated.
The mandate is anchored on Republic Act No. 7581, also known as the Price Act, which empowers the President to impose maximum price ceilings on essential goods during emergencies, widespread illegal price manipulation, or when artificial factors trigger unfair price spikes.
To guarantee strict compliance and prevent market disruptions, President Marcos has ordered a highly coordinated, multi-agency crackdown on violators:
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Department of Agriculture (DA) & Department of Trade and Industry (DTI): Tasked with strict, uniform enforcement of the PhP 50 ceiling, alongside rigorous monitoring of abnormal price movements.
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Bureau of Customs (BOC): Directed to intensify border inspections and enforcement operations to combat hoarding, smuggling, and illegal rice importation, with full authority to seize and forfeit smuggled goods.
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Philippine Competition Commission (PCC): Collaborating with the DA and DTI to investigate and penalize anti-competitive behaviors, including cartelization and abuse of market dominance.
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Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) & Philippine National Police (PNP): Ordered to provide full logistical and law enforcement support to ensure the immediate implementation of the directive nationwide.
The price cap is designed to protect consumers while maintaining overall market stability. The NPCC is mandated to conduct a periodic review of the market every 15 days. Based on prevailing data and supply conditions, the council will advise the President on whether to continue, adjust, or lift the price ceiling.
EO 118 was signed on May 13, 2026, by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto by the authority of the President.
