Traders seek audience with gov’t re rice SRPs

Cebu rice traders are open to a dialogue with the government on its mandate to impose suggested retail price (SRP) on rice products.

Erwin Goc-ong, president of Cebu Market Vendors Cooperative (CEMVEDCO), said rice traders in Cebu have yet to adhere to the mandate.

The government has already started imposing SRP on rice in some areas in Manila.

Other regions will follow the scheme afterAll Souls’Day, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

In a phone interview with The FREEMAN, Goc-ong said he supports a suggested mark-up price per kilo of rice than an SRP.

"Taking into considerations all the operational expenses that we have from business permits to market entrance fees, to other regulatory fees, labor cost, rentals and other expenses," the rice trader said.

He said the government should have conducted consultations with rice stakeholders, including retailers, millers, wholesalers and farmers.

The government earlier launched the prescribed labeling and SRP for milled rice.

There are four classification of milled rice – regular milled, well milled, premium grade, and special rice – which will be sold following the mandated SRPs except for special rice that covers organic, Cordillera heirloom and other indigenous varieties.

The SRPs for imported rice are: P39 per kilo for well-milled, P40 per kilo for imported premium grade two, and P43 per kilo for premium grade one.

Meanwhile for local rice, the SRPs are: P39 per kilo for regularmilled, P44 per kilo for well-milled, and P47 per kilo for premium grade rice. Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol earlier warned that penalties and sanctions will be imposed to retailers who will not comply with the SRPs.

These include possible revocation of licenses, corresponding fines, as well as criminal charges from four months to four years.