Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. has appealed to lawmakers to back proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), arguing that the current version has failed to protect local farmers and left the industry exposed to market volatility.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu-Laurel made a presentation before the House Committee on Agriculture and Food, chaired by Quezon Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga, describing the RTL as a policy with provisions that had unintended consequences, particularly on the welfare of Filipino rice farmers.

Tiu-Laurel emphasized the significance of rice as more than just a staple, highlighting its role in fueling the workforce, sustaining families, and symbolizing food security for over 112 million Filipinos. He stated that the RTL's full liberalization of rice imports stripped the National Food Authority (NFA) of its mandate to regulate supply, stabilize prices, and intervene during crises, leaving farmers vulnerable to market forces.

He warned that this has resulted in unsustainable palay prices, driven down by an influx of cheap, high-quality imported rice. Last month, farmgate prices reportedly fell to as low as PHP8 per kilo, well below the cost of production for even the most efficient growers.

Tiu-Laurel also refuted claims that the government's PHP20 rice program caused the price drop, labeling those assertions as untrue. He cited NFA data showing that palay prices began to rebound following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s announcement of a temporary rice import suspension, which will take effect on Sept. 1.

Tiu-Laurel argued that the core issue lies within the RTL itself, stating that it threatens to harm the rice industry rather than reform it. He called for data-driven policy reform, better regulation, and the restoration of a stronger role for the NFA, emphasizing the agency's unique position to balance public interest with market dynamics.

He expressed support for House Bill 1, which seeks to revise the RTL and reestablish the government's authority to act during price or supply disruptions, stressing the critical need to regain control of the rice industry.