Manila, Feb. 10 -- A new maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice may be released soon, while retail prices are expected to be tamed within the month, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In an ambush interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the new MSRP will factor in international rice prices and timely exchange rates.

"We're trying to find out 'yung tamang presyo (what's the right price). We will announce a new MSRP soon after evaluation," he told reporters on the sidelines of the induction of the new officers of the Economic Journalists Association of Philippines (EJAP) on Monday night.

Tiu Laurel said the PHP43 per kilo MSRP applies to the previous import volume, which arrived in the country...