DA eyes stopping labeling of rice as special, premium

The Department of Agriculture is considering putting a stop to the practice of rice being labeled as either "premium" or "special" in the markets.

According to Bernadette Reyes' report on "24 Oras," Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel noticed from the DA's rounds of markets that some imported rice was being sold at prices higher than they should.

“Ang nakalagay diyan normally premium, special, pero pag tiningnan mo talaga ang label na ‘yun it belongs to a certain price level na hindi dapat nga d'un," DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel De Mesa said. 

"Kaya nagkaroon ng idea si Secretary na dapat tanggalin brand na premium, special," he added.

(It is usually labeled premium or special but if you look at it, the rice belongs to another price level. This is why the secretary came up with the idea of removing the premium or special label.)

The DA plans to consult wholesalers and retailers.

“Ipapaliwanag niyo ito dati yung binibili. Malilito po kasi pag pinalitan yung label,” rice retailer Rowena Aquilla said.

(Explain this is what they bought before. They might get confused if the label is changed.)

“Kung buong bansang Pilipinas pinatutupad ‘yan, wala kami magagawa,” added another seller Javier Villena.

(If this will be implemented in the entire Philippines, we will have no  choice.)

De Mesa said that the secretary would release a statement on the issue over the coming days. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/NB, GMA Integrated News