Manila: The decision on whether to set the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork may be known by the end of February, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Monday. At the Palace press briefing, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said they need another two-week timeline to identify the reason behind the spiking prices of retail pork.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel mentioned that if profiteering is identified, the DA will consider implementing an MSRP for pork. He noted that farmgate prices of pork are currently at PHP240 to PHP250 per kilogram, yet some retail prices are deemed unreasonable.

'Bakit mayroong PHP380 to PHP420 sa palengke? So, hinahanap ko saan napunta iyong isang daang piso na gap na nakikita ko (Why is there a PHP380 to PHP420-level in markets. So, I'm looking into the PHP100 gap that I'm seeing),' he stated. 'Anything above PHP400 is unreasonable.'

Tiu Laurel refrained from providing a possible MSRP range, emphasizing the importance of determining a reasonable profit margin across the value chain. 'I want to be fair to everybody. I want to consult everybody, pati retailer at mapakinggan natin lahat ng (and listen to all our) stakeholders,' he said.

As of Feb. 6, the prices of pork kasim (ham) in Metro Manila range from PHP345/kg to PHP420/kg, while pork liempo (belly) range from PHP380/kg to PHP480/kg, according to the DA Bantay Presyo.