The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform is pushing for an overhaul of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) and the restoration of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) powers to stabilize rice prices and support farmers. They cite the law’s negative impact, including a sharp drop in palay farmgate prices by up to PHP8 per kg. due to increased imported rice.
Committee chair Senator Francis Pangilinan raised concerns during a Wednesday hearing, describing the law’s effects as harmful. “Kung patakaran at polisiya ang lupang tatamnan ng sektor ng agrikultura, malinaw na lason at hindi pataba ang naging epekto ng Rice Tariffication Law,” he said, highlighting reports of price manipulation, warehouse irregularities, and the NFA’s reduced ability to protect producers and consumers.
Pangilinan noted that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has also advocated for RTL changes to improve government interventions, enhance services, and modernize the NFA. He added that the executive and legislative branches have agreed to amend the law.
To coordinate efforts, Pangilinan met with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., House Agriculture Committee Chair Rep. Mark Enverga, and Agrarian Reform Committee Chair Rep. Leah Bulut-Begtang. Marcos approved two executive orders: one to set a minimum floor price for palay under the Sagip Saka Act, and another requiring government agencies to buy directly from farmers and fisherfolk at fair prices.
“Through these reforms, we can ensure that government agencies, hospitals, and even state universities buy agricultural products at fair prices directly from our farmers,” Pangilinan said. “With the help of partners from the government, the private sector, and the farmers themselves, let us work together to establish reforms that will strengthen the future of agriculture, farming, and the livelihoods of every Filipino.”
The RTL, or Republic Act 11203, liberalized rice imports by replacing quotas with tariffs and created a fund for farmer support through mechanization, seeds, credit, and training. Critics argue it has lowered palay prices and weakened the NFA, fueling calls for amendments.Copy message