The Department of Agriculture (DA) will require retailers to justify steep price increases in basic agricultural commodities as part of a broader initiative to keep food prices fair and stable for consumers.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said his agency will intensify the monitoring of prices in wet markets across the country to finally put an end to the practice of profiteering, or the charging of excessively high prices for food products.

In his warning, Tiu Laurel said existing rules that require traders and retailers to explain sharp increases in commodities such as rice, vegetables, fish, and meat will be strictly enforced.

“I want the summaries of their explanations submitted to me so we can study what cases to file,” he said.

Tiu Laurel said there should be more cases filed against erring retailers to act as a “deterrent” and prevent others from doing the same.

As part of the strict implementation, those who fail to cooperate may face formal complaints and further investigation in coordination with enforcement agencies.

Meanwhile, retailers who submit incomplete or misleading reports on pricing and sources of supply could be cited for providing false information.

“If they are not cooperating and the information they give is false or lacking, that becomes subject to further investigation,” Tiu Laurel said.

Further, the Secretary noted that if false statements are uncovered during the investigation, more serious charges, such as perjury for statements made under oath, may be pursued.

“When someone lies during an investigation, that’s already a case. That’s where accountability comes in,” he added.

Given the DA’s limited enforcement authority, Tiu Laurel said a proposed measure is already being prepared in the legislative branch to create a dedicated enforcement arm within the department.

Similar to the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau (FTEB) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which was created to enforce the Consumer Act, the new DA unit will focus on enforcement against profiteering and other prohibited acts under the Price Act.

For now, the DA will focus its intensified price monitoring on major urban centers such as Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao—areas where price spikes “have the biggest impact on consumers.”

“We just have to keep at it to protect consumers and ensure fair trade,” Tiu Laurel said.