Manila, Sept. 11 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday expressed confidence that retail rice prices will remain at "controlled levels," or even decline further, during the "ber" months despite the government's 60-day rice import ban that took effect on Sept. 1.

Agriculture spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said the temporary halt has not caused any spike in market prices so far.

"Ang maganda rito, despite yung import ban itong (What's good here is that despite the import ban for the) first two weeks, we're not seeing a spike sa prices ng (in prices of) rice. It's a very good indication," he told the Philippine News Agency.

De Mesa said it is possible for retail prices to further drop, backing the Philippine Sta...