Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Gov't to run after abusive rice traders
Manila Bulletin
|July 4, 2025
The government is taking steps to ensure the stability of imported and locally produced rice prices.
On Thursday, June 3, Malacañang vowed to go after rice traders using the government’s P20 per kilo rice program to justify buying palay at unreasonably low prices, while the Department of Agriculture (DA) will reduce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) of imported rice to P43 per kilo from the current P45.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace's move came following reports that some traders have been taking advantage of farmers by claiming that the expansion of President Marcos’ “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program is a valid reason to lower their farmgate offers.
In a press briefing, Castro stressed that the government would not tolerate such abuse and urged farmers to report exploitative practices to the proper authorities, such as the Department of Agriculture, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Department of Justice.
The Palace official encouraged farmers to provide as much evidence as possible to support future complaints and charges against unscrupulous traders.
"This could constitute economic sabotage, so don't hesitate to report them," she added.
This story is from the July 4, 2025 edition of Manila Bulletin.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Manila Bulletin
Manila Bulletin
Nurse brain drain persists, threatening PH healthcare
Despite improvements in nursing education nationwide, the Philippines continues to grapple with a severe shortage of nurses as thousands of qualified professionals depart for better-paying jobs abroad, the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) reported.
1 min
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
HSBC Philippines celebrates 150 years of partnership and progress
As one of the country's longest standing financial institutions, HSBC Philippines marks 150 years of its continuous contribution to the country's growth, underscoring its role as the enabler of trade, investment, and economic progress.
3 mins
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Pampanga barangay head shot dead in ambush
A barangay captain was shot dead in an ambush in Barangay Alauli, Masantol town, Pampanga province on Tuesday afternoon, Nov.
2 mins
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
JBC opens applications for 2 associate justices at Sandiganbayan, CTA
The Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) has opened the applications or recommendations for two associate justice posts at the Sandiganbayan and the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA)
1 min
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Why rice awareness must be a year-round commitment
As National Rice Awareness Month (NRAM) draws to a close this November, the message it carries must not end with the turning of the calendar.
2 mins
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Security Bank hits green goal early
Security Bank Corp.
1 min
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Baguio folk urged to watch diet during Christmas parties
The City Health Services Office here on Tuesday once again reminded residents to watch their diet during festivities this holiday season.
1 min
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Blazing trails in good governance, promoting inclusive development
Is there a way out of the present crisis brought on by widespread anomalies in flood control?
4 mins
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
ALI raises P4.2B for reinvestment
Ayala Land Inc.
1 mins
November 27, 2025
Manila Bulletin
Japan-Philippines Summit Meeting
On October 26, commencing at 13:09 local time (14:09 JST) for approximately 20 min, Ms.
2 mins
November 27, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size