Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar bared that they are looking to release the suggested retail price (SRP) for imported pork within the week.
In a virtual press briefing Wednesday, May 12, Dar said that the agency is currently finalizing the proposed price tag on the commodity.
"Ang fina-finalize namin na SRP ng imported pork ay base doon sa EO (Executive Order) 128, so final discussions are being done now. Hopefully within the week ay mayroon na kaming ilalabas na SRP doon sa imported pork (We are finalizing the SRP for imported pork based on EO 128, so final discussions are being done now. Hopefully within the week, we will be able to release the SRP for imported pork)," the secretary said.
EO 128 reduces tariff rates on pork imports to between five percent and 20 percent, down from 30 percent to 40 percent.
The agriculture secretary further said that they will "only import pork from countries without African Swine Fever (ASF)".
In a bid to prevent the entry of ASF-infected imported pork and other pork products, Dar said he immediately banned products from countries that are affected by the dreaded animal disease. Intensified first border inspection and random testing on pork products will also be conducted to protect the country and the consumers from ASF.
The DA decided on April 7 not to extend the 60-day price ceiling on pork and chicken products in Metro Manila, but said that an SRP for imported pork will be imposed.