The Department of Agriculture (DA) has not been directed to halt the importation of rice, Malacañang said Monday clarifying earlier reports about its supposed suspension.
“As of this time, there is no order to stop rice importation given Secretary (William) Dar of the Department of Agriculture per the latter,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.
Panelo issued the statement after a television report claimed President Duterte ordered the suspension of rice importation to protect local farmers from the impact of the country’s new rice tariffication law. The President reportedly instead authorized the purchase of rice from farmers amid their losses from the influx of imported rice in the country.
Farmers’ groups have recently complained about the drop in the prices of palay or unmilled rice linked to the surge of cheap rice imported under the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law. The average farmgate prices of paddy rice have dropped to P15.43 per kilogram from P20 per kilogram price early this year.
Republic Act No. 11203, signed by the President last February, imposes tariffs on rice in lieu of import limits. The government earlier said the law is expected to result in lower rice prices and help cushion the impact of inflation for the benefit of the consumers.
Last July, the President told authorities to prioritize the purchase of rice harvest of local farmers over rice importation even if the government would be on the losing end.
In offering a “happy compromise,” the President sought to protect local farmers in allowing rice imports only after the harvest season.
“I can assure you, I will create a happy compromise between the farmers at ‘yung [and] importation. You can be sure that during your harvest no importation will be allowed. Ayaw ko. That’s what I said,” he said during his Ilocos Sur visit last July. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
