President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is still deciding whether to extend the government’s P50 per kilo price ceiling on imported rice, Malacañang says. Palace spokesperson Claire Castro reports that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has informed Malacañang that the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC) submitted its recommendation to extend the cap, which lapsed last month. The recommendation is currently under review by the President for approval. Sources also say the timing of the country’s harvest season is a key consideration in the review. The DA is urging continuation of the price cap to help stabilize rice supply and retail prices, noting that there is no harvest yet and that lifting the ceiling could lead to higher prices. Another outlet reports that the NPCC has recommended extending the measure for two more months, aligning with the DA’s proposal and approach to maintain price stability while supply conditions adjust. Overall, the government’s decision is pending, with the final approval expected after Malacañang completes its assessment of the NPCC recommendation and the impact of upcoming seasonal harvest conditions on rice availability.