Manila, Nov. 4 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday said it has issued at least 16 show-cause orders against retailers selling imported rice at elevated prices, or beyond the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP).

The MSRP for 5 percent broken imported rice is pegged at PHP43 per kg., according to the DA.

In a phone interview, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the retailers were allowed to explain the reasons behind the price hike.

"Part ng explanation nila, magkano nila nakuha 'yun at bakit nila ititinda nang mahal? Unless mahal nila nakuha. Tapos aalamin kung saan nila nakuha (Part of their explanation is how much they bought it for and why they are selling it at a high price-unless it was sourced at ...