Tariffication Law News Today

The government decided to propose that the National Food Authority be given the right to import rice and to maintain a buffer stock to assure that the price of rice can be kept more stable.

WORKERS in the agriculture sector are questioning the appointment of fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu Laurel as the new Agriculture chief, raising concerns about corporate plantations flourishing in the country.

Contrary to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.s statement that retail prices of the staple has stabilized from the imposition of the price cap, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) said that rice prices remain expensive.

THE Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) has released P2.2 billion in loans to rice farmers and cooperatives as of the end of July in an effort to boost local rice production in the country.

There have been lots of confused statements about the rationale for the price caps, as well as ways of moving forward. Current discussions have created bogeymen out of thin air.

THE passage of Republic Act 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), in 2019 was hailed by local and international scholars — including leading analysts in multinational and bilateral organizations — who were knowledgeable about Philippine agriculture, as a landmark reform measure.

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) said on Wednesday that the proposal of the National Economic and Development Authority and some business groups to reduce tariffs on imported rice will result in farmers losing incomes.

LAST week, when I looked at international prices for Vietnam rice, well-milled (5-percent broken) was almost hitting the $650 per metric ton mark, whereas it was lower than $500 a few months ago. Similarly, it was reported that Thai 5-percent broken rice had breached $700 when it was less than $600 earlier this year.

MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr vowed on Monday to do what it takes to boost his country's rice and corn production, seeki...

The May 9 national elections in the Philippines are taking place as the country reels under the blows of multiple system crises — climate, economic and social — compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, writes Reihana Mohideen.