The Department of Agriculture (DA) plans to impose a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on garlic and farm eggs to curb profiteering.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said, however, the DA’s priority remains controlling rice and pork prices.
“Since prices have fallen to P100 a kilo, we decided to hold back. Given their cost of around P80, I think it’s fair. But if prices spike again, we will definitely implement an MSRP,” he said Tuesday.
The proposal for an MSRP on garlic was initially discussed, but put on hold after prices dropped to around P100 per kg. from a peak of P160—double the estimated landed cost of P80.
With the Philippines importing 95 percent of its garlic, the DA deems the current price reasonable.
The DA is also monitoring egg prices to prevent unreasonable increases following spikes in sales due to election-driven demand and higher chicken mortality attributed to rising temperatures.
A DA price monitoring places egg prices within the P6 to P8 per piece range, lower than the reported P10 to P12.
“Some suggest implementing an MSRP on eggs, but as with rice and pork, we must consult stakeholders first to avoid disrupting the industry,” Tiu Laurel said.
The DA also reduced the MSRP for imported rice from P49 to P45 per kg. on March 31, 2025, following a downtrend in global prices.
The DA also set an MSRP of P380 per kg. for liempo and P350 per kg. for kasim and pigue, but compliance, while improving, remains below ideal levels.