Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan led the inspection of local markets, starting with Poblacion Public Market, on Wednesday, September 6 to guarantee rice businesses’ compliance with the Mandated Price Ceiling (MPC) set by Executive Order No. 39 issued by the President.
Under EO 39, the highest retail price that businesses can sell regular milled rice is at Php 41.00 per kilo, while for the well-milled variety, the price cap is at Php 45.00 pesos. Other varieties, such as premium and special rice, are not included in the said price regulation.
Mayor Along assured his constituents that the city government will regularly check if local businesses abide by the MPC and pledged to provide assistance when needed by both customers and local rice retailers.
“Batid po natin na malaki ang magiging epekto ng MPC sa ating mga mamamayan, kaya asahan po ninyo na nakahanda ang pamahalaang lungsod na umalalay at magbigay ng tulong sa mga mamimili at negosyante kung kinakailangan,” Mayor Along said.
“Hangga’t epektibo ang MPC, tuloy-tuloy po ang regular na inspeksyong isasagawa upang masiguro na lahat ng ating mga pamilihan ay sumusunod sa mga nakatakdang presyo,” he added.
The local chief executive likewise issued a warning to persons and other entities who will try to take advantage of the current rice situation in order to exploit Caloocan City consumers.
“Panawagan ko po sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na makipagtulungan sa atin at i-report ang sinumang magtatakda ng presyong hindi naayon sa MPC. Makakaasa po kayo na mananagot sa batas ang sinumang manlalamang sa mga mamimili lalo na sa panahon ngayon,” the City Mayor stated.