Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Representative Leila de Lima has filed House Resolution 645 seeking a review of the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law (RA 11203) as rice prices remain high.
De Lima noted growing calls from farmers and consumer groups to restore the regulatory and market intervention powers of the National Food Authority (NFA).
“The price of rice has continued to rise, negatively impacting the livelihoods of farmers and placing a significant burden on the household budgets of millions of families, particularly those in the most vulnerable sectors of society,” she said.
She added, “The current market-led approach, while intended to foster competition and reduce prices, has seemingly failed to consistently deliver affordable rice to consumers, with recent price surges indicating potential market inefficiencies, speculative activities, possible illegal acts of price manipulation, or supply chain weaknesses.”
RA 11203, enacted in 2019, imposed tariffs on imported rice and curtailed the NFA’s authority.
De Lima argued that a systematic review is needed to identify policy interventions that will lower rice prices, ensure food security, and safeguard against abuse and inefficiency.
“Kung hindi natutupad ang magandang layunin ng umiiral na batas at nakakadagdag pa sa mabigat nang pasanin ng ating mga magsasaka at consumers, hindi na dapat magpatumpik-tumpik pa ang Kongreso na amyendahan ito at maglatag ng mas epektibong mekanismo para makatulong sa ating mga nangangailangang kababayan,” she stressed.
De Lima further emphasized, “Malinaw na hindi tayo dapat nakaasa sa importasyon para mapababa ang presyo ng bigas, mapataas ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka, at maabot ang seguridad sa pagkain. Kailangan ng mga magsasaka ng proteksyon mula sa mapang-abusong mga traders, lalong-lalo na ang sapat na suporta ng gobyerno mula sa pagbubungkal ng lupa, sa pagtatanim at pag-ani, hanggang sa paghahatid ng produkto sa merkado.”
The resolution aims to prompt Congress to revisit the law and craft stronger mechanisms to support farmers and consumers.