Manila: The Senate on Wednesday commenced discussions on proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), with senators emphasizing the necessity for enhanced farmer support and improved utilization of tariff revenues.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate Committee on Agriculture chair Francis Pangilinan highlighted that six years after RTL's enactment, the law has not achieved its objectives of reducing rice prices and fortifying local farmers. Pangilinan stated during the committee inquiry, "The twin objectives of the RTL have not been met. Mahal pa rin ang bigas sa palengke pero mura pa rin ang bilihan ng palay sa bukid (Rice remains expensive in the market, but palay prices in farms remain low)."
The hearing also explored the 'Seven Pillars of Reform' blueprint, which includes restoring calibrated state capacity, integrating the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund and the National Rice Program, rebuilding an extension support system, balancing consumer welfare and farmer share, sustaining domestic production, modernizing the National Food Authority (NFA), and incentivizing private sector participation.
Charts presented by the Department of Agriculture indicated that rice imports increased from 1.17 million metric tons (MT) in 2017 to a record 4.77 million MT in 2024, causing a decline in farmgate prices and placing 3.4 million rice farmers and workers at economic risk. Rice self-sufficiency decreased from 93 percent in 2017 to 77 percent by 2022. "The weakened state role, compounded by import surges, has exposed the PHP554 billion rice value chain to global volatility," the presentation noted.
Senator Raffy Tulfo stressed the importance of timely assistance delivery, such as seed and fertilizer subsidies and post-harvest facilities. He remarked, "Pagdating po sa pagsasaka, time is of the essence. Ang isang taong pinaghirapan at pinaghandaan ng ating mga magsasaka ay madaling mawala kung hindi nakakarating ang tulong ng maaga (In farming, time is of the essence. A year's worth of preparation by farmers can be lost if support does not arrive on time)."
Lawmakers also examined data showing farmers' share of the consumer peso had fallen from 43 percent before RTL to 39 percent in 2024, while retailers' share increased from 9 percent to 12 percent. The committee is deliberating Senate Bill 284, known as the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, and other resolutions aiming to realign tariff policy, strengthen safety nets for farmers, and revisit the role of the NFA.
The inquiry also considered the impact of Executive Order 62, which reduced rice import tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent last year, further depressing farmgate prices. Reforms proposed by the Senate policy blueprint include hiring 15,000 to 20,000 extension workers to support rice farmers, building resilience across rice and corn production, modernizing NFA warehouses, and extending fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to private value chain actors.
These reforms are intended to safeguard the livelihood of 3.4 million farmers, secure the rice value chain, and ensure affordable, stable rice for every Filipino family.
