DA cracks down on unfair food price hikesVendors sell various vegetables at a market along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on January 6, 2026MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture has warned retailers that unjustified hikes in basic food prices will not be tolerated, noting that noncompliance may prompt formal complaints and further investigation. “If they are not cooperating and the information they give is false or lacking, that becomes subject to further investigation,” Tiu Laurel said. Tiu Laurel noted that the recent decline in onion and rice prices demonstrates the effect of stricter oversight. Although the DA has limited enforcement powers, Tiu Laurel emphasized close coordination with other agencies to implement rules against profiteering and other prohibited acts under the Price Act. He also renewed his call for stronger DA enforcement powers, noting that proposed legislation in Congress aims to establish a dedicated enforcement arm similar to the Department of Trade and Industry’s Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau.

Source: Philippine Star January 10, 2026 19:03 UTC