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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DA chief Laurel airs warning to Vietnam in House hearing

DA chief Laurel airs warning to Vietnam in House hearing

Published Aug 20, 2025 08:04 pm

At A Glance

  • Citing the urgent need to protect Filipino farmers, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has asked Vietnam not to challenge the Marcos administration's decision to suspend rice importation for 60 days.
Flag of Vietnam (Unsplash)
Flag of Vietnam (Unsplash)


Citing the urgent need to protect Filipino farmers, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has asked Vietnam not to challenge the Marcos administration's decision to suspend rice importation for 60 days.
Laurel was a resource person during the House Committee on Agriculture and Food's hearing on Wednesday, Aug. 20, which was carried out alongside the 2025 national budget hearings.
"I would also like to openly warn Vietnam, please do not try to do this to the Philippines,” said the Cabinet official.
Laurel was alluding to reports that the Vietnam Food Association had asked its Trade Ministry to challenge Manila's two-month suspension before the World Trade Organization (WTO).
“We have to protect our farmers. We will do what is needed under the WTO rule, superior to national interest. Under WTO rules, if they really insist, we will find ways not to buy from Vietnam,” Laurel explained.
Starting September 1, the importation of rice will be suspended for a period of 60 days in a bid to stabilize local palay (unhusked rice) prices and ensure that local farmers are not disadvantaged by the influx of cheaper imported rice.
It should be noted that rice is the Filipino staple food. It is also a major driver of local inflation.
The agriculture committee's hearing mainly delved into proposals to amend the Agricultural Tariffication Act in order to strengthen the regulatory power of the National Food Authority (NFA. The amendments are meant to support the rice industry and ensure consumer protection through adequate supply and stable price of rice.
Chaired by Quezon 1st district Rep. Mark Enverga, the House panel decided in the end to consolidate all the measures filed in the current 20th Congress for this purpose.
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