Consumer group pushes for lower rice SRP amid downward trend

A consumer welfare advocacy group is pushing for lower suggested retail price (SRP) for rice as it expects prices to further go down after the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law.

LIVE sa DZBB: Former Trade and Industry Usec. Victor Dimagiba, Laban Konsyumer, Inc. president kaugnay ng pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas.

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In an interview on "Dobol B sa News TV" on Wednesday, Laban Konsyumer president Victor Dimagiba said the flow of rice imports has been affecting local retail prices.

"Palagay ko, napa-further 'yung pagbaba talaga sa P32 dahil mataas 'yung nakatakdang SRP eh. Ang SRP na nakatakda at the moment sa regular milled rice is P39. Sa well-milled rice nasa P43," Dimagiba said.

"So 'yung mataas na SRP na 'yon, itinakda 'yan before the Rice Tariffication Law. So dahil pumasok na 'yung mga imported rice, nagkaroon ng impact sa pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas sa mga market," he added.

Super Radyo dzBB's Mark Makalalad reported that regular milled rice was being sold for as low as P32 per kilo in some markets.

Prices reportedly dropped by at least P6 per kilo in the past few months.

"Kami po ay nagmungkahi na siguro para lang talagang bumaba pa sa desired nila na P32 'yung (well milled),... maari siguro na ibaba yung SRP na para 'yung mga traders, mga importers, 'yung price behavior ay talagang bababa pa,"  Dimagiba said. 

The Laban Konsyumer president said he already brought up the suggestion at a recent forum with the National Economic and Development Authority. —Margaret Claire Layug/LBG, GMA News