SRPs for 8 goods take effect in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) officially started yesterday the implementation of suggested retail prices (SRPs) for eight commodities in Metro Manila.

DA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol signed the administrative circular on the enforcement of the SRP to ensure the availability of products at reasonable prices.

“We are expecting that this will not be smooth immediately but we have to make it effective today. If we don’t do this, there will be no control in the market,” Piñol told reporters on the sidelines of the DA’s 120th anniversary.

He said retailers in major markets in the metropolis are still not aware of the DA’s move to implement the SRP while others are concerned with the possible loss of income.

“The purpose of the SRP is not to bring down the price but to stabilize it and avoid the abnormal movement in the market like what happened with the NFA rice a few months ago,” Piñol said.

The SRP for regular milled rice is P39 per kilo while stakeholders agreed not to set an SRP for well-milled rice and higher varieties.

The SRP for bangus (milkfish) is P150 per kilo; tilapia, P100; and galunggong (mackerel), P140.

Other commodities that will be included in the SRP system are red onion for P95 per kilo; white onion, P75 per kilo; imported garlic, P70 per kilo; and local garlic, P120 per kilo.

“The SRP will only allow a 10 percent adjustment in the price. It should not be more than that or else you will be charged with profiteering,” Piñol said.