60-day suspension of rice importation takes effect Sept. 1
Published Aug 31, 2025 10:13 am
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Updated Aug 31, 2025 01:09 pm
President Marcos has issued Executive Order (EO) No. 93 that suspends the importation of regular and well-milled rice for 60 days.
(MANILE BULLETIN File Photo)
It shall take effect from Sept. 1 until Oct. 30 this year.
Under EO 93 dated Aug. 29, Marcos said the suspension of the importation of regular and well-milled rice was based on the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to protect the country’s agricultural sector.
“Upon the recommendation of the DA, the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice is hereby suspended. The suspension of importation shall not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers,” the Marcos said.
It can be recalled that the President announced the suspension of rice importation on Aug. 6 during his State Visit to India.
The 60-day rice import suspension will be implemented to shield local farmers from falling palay prices during the ongoing harvest season.
Marcos, however, said that the period of suspension may be shortened or extended, as may be necessary, upon the joint recommendation of the DA, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
The DA, DEPDev, and DTI were directed to convene within 30 days upon the effectivity of the EO to evaluate the effects of the suspension of rice importation on the supply and prices of rice in the country.
The three agencies were also ordered to submit within 15 days from their meeting a joint recommendation to the President, through the Executive Secretary.
According to the EO, the DA reported on Aug. 8 a “sharp decrease in the price of rice across the market” as a result of strong local rice production in the early part of the year and the heavy arrival of imported rice in the previous months, due to reduced tariffs.
“According to the DA, there is a need to suspend the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice for 60 days, which will coincide with the peak of harvest season, to enable the domestic market to absorb the local supply, stabilize prices, and help Filipino farmers sell their palay at a fair and reasonable price,” the EO said.
Republic Act 12078 Section 3 empowers the President to suspend or prohibit further importation of rice for a limited period and/or a specified volume whenever there is an excessive supply of imported or locally produced rice resulting in an extraordinary decrease in local prices of rice.
The Chief Executive tasked the DA, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the DTI, to immediately issue the implementing guidelines, which shall include the participation and coordination of concerned agencies, as well as enforcement and monitoring mechanisms, to ensure the successful implementation of the order.