House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), in a bid to lower rice prices.

During the plenary session on Tuesday, May 14, the lower chamber passed House Bill (HB) No. 10381 via a voice vote.

The proposed amendments to the 2019 law include the restoration of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) old mandate in the country’s rice supply chain.

Under the bill, the NFA will be allowed to buy local milled rice as needed to maintain a rice buffer stock. In emergency cases, it will even be allowed to directly import rice with authorization from the President.

"I commend the approval on second reading of the bill amending the five-year-old Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), marking a significant stride towards strengthening our rice industry and ensuring broader access to affordable, high-quality rice for all," House Speaked Martin Romualdez said.

"This amendment is crucial in enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of our rice sector, ensuring that it can withstand challenges and continue to thrive," he said.

Romualdez further said that the bill wasn't "just a policy change; it is a powerful pledge to every Filipino". 

"We are committed to ensuring that rice—our staple food—remains affordable and accessible to all. By refining the RTL, we address its shortcomings and provide our farmers with the support they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive market," he said.

The RTL originally banned the NFA from buying and selling rice to bring down rice prices due to increased supply. But since the RTL's enactment, rice prices continued to increase.

Corruption worries surrounding the NFA is a primary concern for some members of the Senate, as they remain hesitant in supporting the proposed amendments.

Senator Cynthia Villar, in particular, raised concerns about corruption and the agency’s inability to protect the welfare of rice farmers and consumers. Villar heads the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Food.

During Tuesday morning’s regular press conference, lawmakers from the House of Representatives implored their colleagues in the Senate to expedite the passage of the proposed amendments in the upper chamber.

“I appeal to our friends in the Senate to please, please, please expedite the passage of this measure, of this very urgent and important measure,” Nueva Ecija 1st district Rep. Mikaela Angela Suansing said.

“Because at the end of the day our primary objective is two-fold: one is mabigyan po natin ng access iyong mga pinakamahihirap na mga pamilyang Pilipino sa mas murang bigas; at pangalawa po ay matulungan natin iyong ating mga magsasaka na mapababa iyong cost of production nila,” she continued.

(One, we can give the poorest Filipino families access to cheaper rice; and second, we can help our farmers to lower their cost of production.)

Bataan 1st district Rep. Geraldine Roman expressed confidence that Villar will find “in her heart” the value of the proposed RTL amendments as a “very, very good legacy for our farmers”.

The solons said senators should follow the House’s intent to put forward the needs of farmers.

“Let's walk the talk. Nakakasawa na kasi, di ba? Lagi na lang sinasabi the proverbial, ah itong ating magsasaka sila ang naglalagay ng pagkain sa hapag-kainan ng ating mga pamilyang Pilipino, mahalaga sila, but show the love,” added Roman.

(It's tiring, isn't it? They always say the proverbial thing, that these farmers are the ones who put food on the dining table of our Filipino families, they are important, but show the love.)

The House is set to approve HB No. 10381 on third reading next week, before the second regular session of the 19th  Congress adjourns sine die adjournment.