Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday issued show-cause orders to retailers selling onions and pork above prescribed price limits at the Obrero Market in Manila. The action came after joint market inspections were conducted by the DA, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Philippine National Police. Similar orders were issued at the Mega Q Mart in Quezon City earlier in the week.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that this initiative represents the first series of show-cause orders, with more expected in the coming days. Laurel highlighted the importance of maintaining market prices for imported onions and ensuring that the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) offers fair returns to sellers. He also stressed that the price ceilings on pork are designed to guarantee a reasonable income for each participant in the value chain.

Retailers were found to be selling red onions above the PHP150-per-kilogram MSRP and white onions above PHP120 per kilogram. Additionally, violations were observed for pork prices, with liempo (belly) exceeding PHP370 per kilogram and pigue (ham) or kasim (shoulder) surpassing PHP330 per kilogram. Vendors in violation have been given three days to justify the price increases. Their responses will help guide the DA, DTI, and other relevant agencies in determining subsequent actions.

This crackdown is part of the DA's broader efforts to prevent profiteering and anti-competitive practices, such as cartelization. According to DA-Bantay Presyo data, retail prices for imported medium-sized red onions in Metro Manila currently range from PHP130 to PHP240 per kilogram for local red onions, while imported white onions range from PHP100 to PHP180 per kilogram. Pork ham prices vary from PHP290 to PHP390 per kilogram, and pork belly is sold for PHP325 to PHP470 per kilogram.