Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday ordered lower tariffs on imported food, faster processing of import permits, and government purchase of excess farm produce as part of a broader push to stabilize food prices amid soaring fuel prices caused by the Middle East crisis.

According to Philippines News Agency, Marcos emphasized during a press briefing in Malaca±ang that the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Tariff Commission have been directed to reduce taxes on key food imports to ease costs for consumers. He assured that safeguards will remain in place to protect local producers, stating, "Hindi ito pwedeng gawing basta-basta. poprotektahan natin ang mga consumer, ang mga magsasaka at ang industriya (This cannot be done arbitrarily. we will protect consumers, farmers, and the industry)."

To boost supply and reduce delays, Marcos also instructed faster processing of key permits such as sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSIC) and Certificates of Necessity to Import. Additionally, the President addressed supply chain costs by ordering the removal of toll fees at fish ports to prevent additional price increases.

Marcos acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers, who are sometimes forced to discard produce due to oversupply and low farmgate prices. He announced that "Kaya bibilhin na muna ng Department of Agriculture ang sobrang produksyon. para hindi masayang ang ani at hindi malugi ang ating mga magsasaka (The DA will buy excess production so harvests are not wasted and farmers do not incur losses)."

Local government units will aid in distributing the purchased produce to communities, ensuring it reaches those in need. Furthermore, the government plans to expand the Bentang Bigas Program by increasing outlets and extending selling hours, particularly for vulnerable groups such as senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and single parents.