Philippine lawmaker seeks prioritisation of rice tariff law amendments

FILE PHOTO: A farmer walks along a paddy field on a rice terrace in Banaue, Ifugao province, the Philippines, on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Rice prices have remained volatile, while the influx of cheap imported rice has displaced locally produced varieties. - Bloomberg

MANILA: Las Piñas Rep. Mark Anthony Santos has urged colleagues in the House of Representatives to prioritise deliberations on proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 11203, or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), to ensure sustained availability of affordable rice in public markets.

In a statement on Monday (July 21), Santos said the benefits promised under the RTL—such as lower rice prices and improved support for local farmers—have not materialised, highlighting the need for revisions to the law.