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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senators split on rice tariff rate cut

Senators split on rice tariff rate cut

Published Jun 5, 2024 08:05 am

Senators have expressed differing opinions on the newly approved reduction tariff on rice by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) that has already been approved by President Marcos.

NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said that the reduction tariff on rice from 35 percent to 15 percent and additional government subsidies will lessen the cost of rice to P29 per kilo for the poor.

Tariff rates on corn, pork, mechanically deboned meats, sugar, vegetables such as onions, shallots, garlic, broccoli, carrots, cabbage, lettuce, sweet potatoes, cassava, coffee substitutes, complete feeds, and feed preparations will remain the same.

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who agrees to the move, said in an interview that there's a legal basis for the President to adjust the tariff rates while Congress is on break

"Sang-ayon ako dahil ang pinakamalaking rason kung bakit tumataas ang inflation sa ating bansa pangunahin ay yung pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at pangunahin sa pagkain pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas (I agree to this because the main reason why inflation is ballooning in the country is the increase in the price of food and rice is on top of this)," he said.

When Congress resumes its session, Escudero said that any lawmaker who's against it can file a bill to correct what they think is lacking or wrong in what the President did. He added that it would not come from him.

Regarding the concern about the influx of foreign products, Escudero said that this is always the case when there is tariff reduction but he mentioned that the Department of Agriculture is not limited when it comes to this and has to power to ensure that local producers will not be affected and will be protected.

"Kapag pumasok ang purong dayuhang supply hindi naman tayo pwedeng dependent na lamang doon dapat manatiling malakas pa din ang ating domestic production ng anumang uri ng pagkain (When imported supply enters the country, we cannot be dependent on it we have to maintain a strong domestic production of any food product)," he added.

Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos opposed the move saying that this will result in the swelling of imported products in the local market.

"Ayokong lagi niyo akong ginagawang kontrabida, pero hindi ko naman masisikmura ito (I don't always want to come out as the villain, but I cannot stomach this)," she said in a statement.

President Marcos, who chairs the NEDA Board, approved the new Comprehensive Tariff Program for 2024-2028, which extended tariff rates until 2028.

"Ano ito? Inuudyukan ba natin silang magpakamatay na lang? Di ko maintindihan! Makukuha pa ba ito ng dasal? (What's this? Are we encouraging them to just die? I cannot understand it. Are prayers even enough?)" she added.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros said that they are studying the move since it concerns farmers' groups and other rural sectors who have already expressed their disapproval to the move.

She mentioned that all agricultural countries are using reasonable tariff rates to support domestic producers.

"So pinag-aaralan po namin kung ano ang magiging legislative action namin doon (We are studying what our legislative action will be on this)," she added.

Sen. Joel Villanueva said that while reducing the tariff is a good step, he believes that economic managers must focus more on long-term solutions to the food supply problems.

"Kailangan pong magkaroon ng mas kongkretong plano at hindi band-aid solutions para paigtingin ang lokal na produksyon ng mga produktong agrikultura (There has to be a concrete plan and not band-aid solutions to improve the local production of agricultural products)," he said.

"Dapat nating bigyang pansin ang epekto nito sa kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka kagaya ng pagbibigay ng sapat na tulong at safety nets sa ating mga magsasaka, lalo na ngayong panahon na mas madalas na extreme weather events (We have to take note of its effects to the livelihood of our farmers such as providing ample assistance and safety nets especially now with the presence of extreme weather events)," he added.

Villanueva mentioned that there must be an analysis if this step to reduce the tariff rate until 2028 is the right move and that they will monitor this especially when they tackle the national budget.

Related Tags

Senator Imee Marcos National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Senator Risa Hontiveros rice tariffs Senator Joel Villanueva Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero
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