PRESS RELEASE
26 May 2026

PCC holds dialogue with rice importers on EO 118 compliance

Dialogue between the PCC and PRIA, held on May 20, 2026. 

On May 20, the Philippine Competition Commission (PCC), through its Competition Enforcement Office (CEO), held a dialogue with the Philippine Rice Importers’ Association (PRIA) to align their operations with Executive Order No. 118 and safeguard fair market competition.

Issued on May 13, EO 118 sets a nationwide selling price cap of P50 per kilogram on imported rice (five percent broken) for 30 days to keep the staple affordable for consumers. Recognizing that the price ceiling affects the entire supply chain, the PCC and PRIA focused on establishing a transparent, predictable framework that balances public welfare with market stability.

CEO Director Christian Loren de los Santos noted that while enforcement actions lead to deterrence, the PCC is open to collaborative partnership over strict policing, offering clear guidelines and technical assistance to help the industry comply with fair market principles.

The CEO cautioned market participants to make all commercial decisions independently and avoid exchanges of sensitive commercial information such as price, quantity, and import volume. With this guidance, the CEO encouraged PRIA to take active steps to ensure that its members comply with government policies and regulations.

PRIA President Raffy Herrera affirmed the association’s dedication to food security and a stable rice supply. PRIA, which groups 60 importers, suggested that the PCC hold a similar dialogue with retailer organizations to better understand their logistical costs and align their pricing structures.

The dialogue served as an opportunity to reinforce open communication between the regulator and the business sector. The CEO emphasized the Commission’s commitment to being an approachable partner, focusing on collaborative compliance and transparent guidelines, to help market participants navigate regulations confidently.

Through this dialogue, the PCC continues to actively safeguard market integrity across essential consumer sectors. By engaging directly with critical food supply chains, the Commission balances supportive industry advocacy with steady enforcement to prevent market distortions, deter anti-competitive behavior, and protect consumer welfare.

Market participants seeking compliance guidance can email enforcement@phcc.gov.ph and queries@phcc.gov.ph.

###

REFERENCE:  
publicaffairs@phcc.gov.ph  
Public Affairs and Research Division
Communications and Knowledge Management Office
Philippine Competition Commission