DA to suspend MSRP on pork amid low compliance

The maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on pork, implemented to lower retail pork prices, will be temporarily lifted by the Department of Agriculture (DA) as the agency seeks to revise the policy to crack down on low compliance.

- BY DEXTER BARRO II

In an interview on Wednesday, May 14, Agriculture Undersecretary for Livestock Constante Palabrica said the order suspending the policy is set to be issued “within 24 hours,” which will include the parameters of a planned review.

“We're going to lift and then we’re going to study. And then come out with a revised program for MSRP,” said Palabrica.

It was earlier reported that compliance with the MSRP on pork has fallen to less than five percent of sellers across Metro Manila’s wet markets.

The low compliance is apparent in the recent surge of the retail price of pork, reaching as high as P480 per kilo in certain markets.