Manila, Jan. 28 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday said lower prices of rice in the world market and the continuous arrival of imported rice in the Philippines should help drive down retail prices in local markets.

In a press conference, DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the PHP43 per kilogram maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for 5 percent broken imported rice is still in place.

"Mababang presyo nabili 'yung bigas. So, dapat 'yung presyo sa palengke, dapat hindi mataas. Dapat nasusunod 'yung na-issue nating (They bought the rice at a low price. So, the market prices must not be high. There should be an adherence to our) MSRP for premium or 5 percent broken," he said.

As of December 2025, the in...