San juan city: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has expressed concerns regarding the rice tariffication law (RTL), cautioning that without amendments, the liberalization of rice importation could adversely affect the rice industry. During a post-State of the Nation Address (SONA) conference at the Makabagong San Juan National Government Center, Tiu Laurel emphasized the need for protective measures for farmers through revisions to the current RTL.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. warned against traders exploiting farmers and consumers with unreasonable rice prices during his fourth SONA. Tiu Laurel, in an interview, stressed the necessity of bringing back the regulatory powers of the National Food Authority (NFA) to protect the industry.

Tiu Laurel supported House Bill 1 filed by Leyte 1st District Representative and House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, suggesting additional amendments to RTL. He argued that rice is a crucial commodity and its importation should not be liberalized. The DA chief also proposed that rice imports should only cover the local supply gap, maintaining a buffer stock for two to three months.

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) reported that cheaper imported rice, priced between PHP23 to PHP25 per kg, has adversely affected local farmers due to reduced palay buying prices during the dry harvest season, with prices dropping to PHP5 per kg in some areas.

Proposed amendments to the RTL include reauthorizing the NFA for market intervention, setting a floor price for palay buying, and registering traders. Currently, the NFA maintains a 15-day buffer stock for emergencies, and releasing rice stocks requires a food security emergency declaration.

Tiu Laurel also discussed restoring NFA powers to help sustain the PHP20 per kg rice initiative under the 'Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na.' Amending the RTL would enable the NFA to distribute rice and sell at retail markets, with 80 percent of local palay procurement for market sale and 20 percent for the BBM Na program.

The DA plans to allocate PHP18 billion by 2026 to expand the PHP20 rice sale, benefiting approximately 15 million households, or 60 million Filipinos, nationwide.