Sen. Cynthia Villar expressed support for Administrative Order No. 20 easing the rules on the importation of agricultural products.
She mentioned this on Tuesday, April 23, during the 73rd Philippine Society of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineers (PSABE) Annual National Convention, the 35th Philippine Agricultural Engineering Week Celebration, and the 19th International Agricultural Engineering Conference in Legazpi City.
President Marcos had earlier released the administrative order to enhance food security by easing procedures related to the importation of agricultural products.
"I’m very supportive kasi binasa ko yung kanyang order ile-lessen, parang padadaliin ang ease of importing...the paper work ng importation, mas madali that means mas hindi mahihirapan yung mga importer. So pag hindi nahirapan mas mura maipagbibili yung produkto nila (I'm very supportive because I read the the order which will ease the importing...the paper work on importation will be easier, the importer will not have much difficulty. If that's the case, it will not be hard to sell their products)," said Villar who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform.
"At the same time me order doon na tulungan yung ating mga farmers and fisherfolk na mas maka produce sila ng mas marami para lessen ang importation kasi ang prediction you will have less importation of rice this year compared to last year (At the same time, there is also an order there to help the farmers and fisherfolk to produce more to lessen the importation because there is a prediction that there will be less importation of rice this year compared to last year)," she added.
Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos said that easing restrictions will reduce the prices of products such as onions, fish, pork, and sugar but this will also impact local producers -- particularly onion farmers even now selling well below their production cost.
"Frequent and frank consultations between farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders will be essential to monitor and evaluate the effect of AO20, as well as past MAV (Minimum access volume) measures," she said.
"We should further investigate and intervene against the huge disparity between farmgate and retail prices, hence punishing exorbitant charges and cartelization. Most of all, let us support the Filipino farmer with investment, technology, and minimal, well-regulated importation," she added.
Senators on Monday, April 21, urged the President to ramp up local production even after the release of the administrative order.