The Department of Agriculture has not been directed to halt the importation of rice, Malacañang said yesterday, 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 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 farm gate prices of paddy rice have dropped to R15.43 per kilogram from R20 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 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.
Duterte also said a food crisis might erupt if the government repeals the rice tariffication law that lifted rice import quotas.
“I am not about ready to do that. I do not want to have a food crisis again because we have a problem, it is just a serious problem, but if you do not have food, for the people, that is different,” he said. (Genalyn Kabiling)