House Speaker Martin Romualdez (left), Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero (Facebook)

The House of Representatives and the Senate are close to reaching an agreement on the proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). 

Thus, said House Speaker Martin Romualdez a few days removed from his first formal meeting with Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero. 

“Ongoing po at mukhang nagkakasunduan na ang House at ang Senate at mukhang malapit na. Matatapos din at magkakaroon tayo ng magandang resolusyon,” Romualdez said on late Friday afternoon, June 14 in a chance interview on the sidelines of the Agriculture Convergence Event in Tiaong town, Quezon province. 

(Talks are ongoing and it looks like the House and the Senate are close to an agreement. This will conclude eventually and we will have a good resolution.) 

The event marked the district launch of the Farmers Assistance for Recovery and Modernization (FARM) program and the payout of assistance under the Tulong Panghanapbuhay Para sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) program of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). 

As guest of honor and keynote speaker during the event organized by Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd district Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, Romualdez cited the ongoing efforts to amend the RTL to provide further support to farmers and relief to consumers grappling with high rice prices. 

Romualdez underscored that these efforts, including the proposed amendments to the RTL, reflect the unwavering commitment to support President Marcos' vision of revitalizing the agricultural sector and uplifting the lives of Filipino farmers. 

The discussion on RTL amendments was a focal point in Romualdez’s first official meeting with Senate President Escudero at the Aguado Residence in Malacañang last Thursday. 

The amendments aim to ensure food security and economic stability for farmers by providing affordable quality rice to Filipinos and increasing farmers’ incomes. 

“Amending the Rice Tariffication Law is a crucial step towards ensuring food security and economic stability for our farmers,” Romualdez said, after emerging from the meeting with Escudero. 

“We are committed to making quality rice affordable for all Filipinos while boosting the livelihoods of our local farmers,” added the Leyte 1st district congressman.