Alyansa Candidates Advocate for Rice Tariff Law Reassessment

MANILA – The senatorial hopefuls from Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are calling for a reevaluation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). During a press event in Pasay City, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and ACT-CIS Representative Erwin Tulfo voiced their concerns about the RTL, advocating for the National Food Authority (NFA) to be reinstated with the power to import and distribute rice. Abalos referenced Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr.’s earlier comments on restoring the NFA’s regulatory capabilities to combat escalating rice prices. He noted that Secretary Laurel had suggested that if the NFA could utilize its buffer stock to sell rice, it would significantly help in stabilizing prices. The RTL, enacted in 2019, had previously removed the NFA’s authority to buy, sell, and import rice, restricting its role to managing buffer stocks. Tulfo agreed with Abalos, pointing out that the NFA’s inability to sell rice directly to consumers since the RTL’s implementation has led to chaos. He stressed the necessity of reviewing the law to enable the NFA to function effectively. House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar supported proposals for government subsidies and direct procurement from farmers, suggesting these measures would offer immediate relief to both farmers and consumers. She also highlighted the importance of enhancing infrastructure and providing more resources to farmers to reduce rice production costs. Villar proposed that the government should purchase rice directly from farmers as a short-term solution to lower prices, and in the long term, reassess laws like the RTL to ensure they continue to serve the public well. Makati Mayor Abby Binay argued that the problem lies not with legislation but with the enforcement of existing laws. She urged for tougher measures against rice smugglers and those manipulating food prices, emphasizing the need to catch and penalize those responsible for high rice prices. Former senator Manny Pacquiao proposed a national framework focused on ‘production, distribution, and consumption’ to more effectively regulate basic commodities. He advocated for government involvement in these areas to control prices and ensure that agricultural and fish products reach the markets. Pacquiao clarified that he supports importing food products under trade agreements, not as a response to shortages, and emphasized the importance of maintaining an adequate supply of basic commodities to control prices and make goods more affordable.