INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Tuesday that the suggested retail price (SRP) of P125 per kilo for imported red onions in Metro Manila would be effective for two months unless “revised/revoked and/or lifted.”
According to the DA’s administrative circular dated Feb. 6, the new SRP—which was to take effect immediately—would apply to red onions of medium and big sizes being sold in Metro wet markets.
“In order not to aggravate the current difficulties of the Filipino people affected by the pandemic and rising fuel prices, there is a need to guide the consuming public on the reasonable prices of basic necessities in the market,” it said.
While the SRP is lower than the prevailing retail price of P180 to P260 per kg based on the DA’s price monitoring as of Tuesday, vendors are not required to comply with it.
It is just a recommendation and different from a price cap imposed by the government during a calamity or emergency, whenever there is price manipulation or unreasonable price increases. Vendors who do not comply with a price cap face sanctions.
Factors considered for SRP
Agriculture Assistant Secretary Kristine Evangelista said earlier that the DA arrived at the SRP for imported red onions following a meeting among importers, traders and retailers.
Among the factors they took into consideration were the price and expenses of importers totaling P77 per kg and P94 to P110 per kg for wholesalers or those selling goods in bulk.
“We will be talking also with our regional field offices if we’re going to apply the same approach. We need to coordinate with the local price coordinating councils,” Evangelista said.
She added that the DA had asked for help from the Department of the Interior and Local Government in disseminating and monitoring the implementation of the SRP.
The DA has yet to discuss implementing an SRP for locally produced onions.