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The senators say lower tariffs and the drop in global market prices constituted ‘a perfect storm that has severely devastated’ the agriculture sector
MANILA, Philippines – Senators Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan on Monday, August 4, filed a joint resolution seeking to revoke the President’s authority to modify rice tariffs and revert import duties back to 35%.
Hontiveros and Pangilinan urged both the House of Representatives and the Senate to terminate presidential authority over rice tariffs, which is permitted under the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.
The senators said lower tariffs and the drop in global market prices constituted “a perfect storm that has severely devastated the Philippine agriculture sector.”
“The plight of Filipino farmers is urgent and demands decisive legislative action to ensure they receive a fair return for their produce and to secure the nation’s food future by prioritizing domestic production over unchecked imports,” the resolution read.
Groups have blamed the imports for the drop in palay (unhusked rice) prices. According to the Federation of Free Farmers, freshly harvested palay dropped to P8 per kilogram. They estimated a P54.5-billion loss in farmers’ income in the first two quarters of the year.
Hontiveros and Pangilinan’s resolution coincided with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to India, where the President is supposed to discuss in the sidelines with Cabinet members the temporary halt of rice importation and reversion of tariffs.
To recall, the government cut rice import duties from 35% to 15% through Executive Order 62 in 2024.
The National Economic and Development Authority’s explanation then was to lower rice prices and make it affordable for Filipinos. That year, the Philippines hit an all-time record high of rice imports.
The House mega panel that investigated high prices of basic commodities recommended in 2024 for the immediate reversion of rice tariffs to 35%. – Rappler.com
