MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is currently reviewing a proposal from the Department of Agriculture (DA) to increase rice import tariffs and temporarily halt importation, following concerns over declining farmgate prices of palay (unhusked rice), according to Malacañang.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Dave M. Gomez confirmed that the President is aware of the recommendation and will discuss it with Cabinet officials during his state visit to India.
In parallel, lawmakers filed House Joint Resolution No. 3 seeking to restore the 35% tariff rate on imported rice, up from the current 15%, with the aim of supporting local farmers and maintaining market stability.
One of the resolution’s authors, Rep. Kaka Bag-ao of Dinagat Islands, cited the drop in palay prices—from an average of PHP 24.90 to PHP 16.90 per kilo—despite continued high production costs, currently averaging PHP 13.38 per kilo. She also noted that the initial justification for the tariff reduction, based on concerns over supply disruptions due to El Niño, may no longer be applicable.
Lawmakers argue that the current lower tariffs have not significantly benefited consumers but have negatively impacted farmers. They are advocating for the reinstatement of Congress’ role in setting tariff rates, as outlined in Republic Act No. 10863 or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA), which permits Congress to withdraw such powers through a joint resolution.
Other co-authors of the measure include Reps. Dadah Kiram Ismula, Chel Diokno, Perci Cendaña, Leila de Lima, Krisel Lagman, and Elijah San Fernando. A similar resolution has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan.
Citing Section 1608(f) of the CMTA, lawmakers emphasized that Congress can act to restore its authority over tariff adjustments, especially amid what they describe as a challenging situation for local rice farmers.
Executive Order No. 62, which reduced rice tariffs from 35% to 15% until 2028, allows for a review every four months. According to projections from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DepDev), the country is expected to import 4 million metric tons of rice in 2025 due to a domestic production shortfall. As of July 10, data from the Bureau of Plant Industry indicated that 2.3 million metric tons had already been imported.
Last week, the DA formally proposed import restrictions to help stabilize farmgate prices.
The agriculture group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) has echoed calls for immediate legislative action to return rice tariffs to their original levels. Sinag Executive Director Jayson Cainglet noted that an executive order cannot be issued while Congress is in session and urged swift legislative intervention to prevent further price drops for palay.
He also recommended increasing the National Food Authority’s procurement budget to PHP 60 billion and proposed setting a palay floor price at PHP 18 per kilo for fresh and PHP 23 per kilo for dry grains, along with a temporary subsidy of PHP 6 per kilo.
Further developments are expected in the coming weeks as stakeholders assess potential policy changes ahead of the next tariff review.
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