Reactivating Local Price Coordinating Councils to Monitor Prices
The reactivation of the Local Price Coordinating Councils (LPCCs) has become a crucial step in monitoring the supply and pricing of rice and other essential goods across local communities. According to sources familiar with the matter, this initiative supports the national goal to lower rice prices and stabilize the market.
Currently, 1,350 local government units (LGUs) nationwide have reinstated their respective LPCCs. Reports indicate that 1,269 of these LGUs regularly inspect markets, while 230 have deputized barangay officials and non-government organizations to watch for sudden price hikes. Additionally, 1,201 LGUs coordinate with national agencies to combat hoarding and unjustified price increases.
Mandate and Structure of Local Price Coordinating Councils
Under Memorandum Circular 2025-044, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged LGUs to activate their LPCCs following recommendations from the National Price Coordinating Council and in line with the Department of Agriculture’s “Bantay Presyo” program. The LPCC is led by the local chief executive and includes representatives from national agencies, private sector stakeholders, and consumer groups.
The council’s main responsibilities are to conduct market inspections, monitor prices, and analyze fluctuations in commodity costs to protect consumers. This structure allows local officials to respond swiftly to market changes and enforce regulations that maintain price stability.
Enforcing Price Ceilings to Protect Consumers
In the Cordillera Administrative Region, local officials have been urged to strictly enforce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) on imported rice to prevent undue price increases. Regional authorities emphasize that implementing the P49 per kilogram price ceiling “without exception” is vital to keeping rice affordable for all households.
An advisory issued on April 29, 2025, reminded LGUs of the Department of Agriculture’s Administrative Circular No. 05, Series of 2025. This circular sets the MSRP for imported rice (5 percent broken) at P49.00 per kilogram in both public and private markets nationwide, effective since March 10 of this year.
Legal Framework Behind Price Regulation
The Department of Agriculture’s authority to regulate basic commodity prices comes from Republic Act 7581, also known as “The Price Act,” and its Implementing Rules and Regulations. This legal framework enables the government to impose price ceilings to prevent unreasonable markups and ensure market stability.
Local leaders are reminded to publicize these advisories within their jurisdictions and report any violations to the appropriate regulatory offices for prompt enforcement actions. This collaborative approach aims to shield consumers from price manipulation and guarantee consistent availability of essential goods.
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