House Speaker Martin Romualdez has praised President Marcos for taking up the cudgels for Filipino farmers in the latter's decision to suspend rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept. 1.

In a statement Wednesday, Aug. 6, Romualdez described the suspension as "a timely move to protect Filipino farmers and give the nation a chance to realign its priorities on food security".

“This is more than just a policy shift. This is about standing up for the Filipino farmers—about telling the world that we will not allow those who feed us to be left behind,” said Romualdez, who was given the moniker "Mr. Rice".

The Speaker said the President’s directive was a courageous response to growing concerns from farmers and agriculture stakeholders who have been calling for relief from the wave of cheap imported rice that continues to undercut local palay (unhusked rice) prices.

He says the two-month importation pause is a vital opportunity to regroup and rebuild the domestic rice industry with a stronger foundation. Rice is the Filipino staple food.

“Our farmers have been struggling for too long. Every harvest season, they watch the market collapse under the weight of imported rice. This suspension gives us a chance to breathe, reset, and act decisively,” Romualdez said.

The Leyte 1st district congressman says Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.'s warning that unless the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) is amended, the country risks permanently damaging its own capacity to produce rice.

“When the very people who grow our food are saying they can no longer survive, we must listen—and we must act,” the Speaker noted.

Romualdez reiterated his commitment to shepherd House Bill (HB) No. 1, also known as the “RICE Act", which sought to return regulatory powers to the National Food Authority (NFA). It also gives the government greater flexibility in managing imports, and establishes a fair price for palay that honors the hard work of farmers.

“This is not about turning our backs on trade. It’s about putting Filipino food and Filipino farmers first. We must build a system that works for our people—not one that makes them casualties of globalization,” he said.

The Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president also urged government agencies to use this suspension period to crack down on hoarding, price manipulation, and other abusive practices that hurt both farmers and consumers.

He said the DA and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) must work hand in hand to ensure that existing rice stocks are released efficiently and sold at prices that ordinary Filipinos can afford.

“At the end of the day, rice is not just a commodity—it’s the heart of every Filipino meal. When prices soar or when farmers suffer, it’s the Filipino family that feels it the most,” Romualdez said.