Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said that the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) failed to meet its twin goals of lowering rice prices and improving farmers’ competitiveness, six years after it was enacted.
Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate agriculture panel, led a hearing on possible amendments to the law. He pointed to low farmgate prices, inadequate safety nets, and weak support programs for rice production.
“Nangako itong ibaba ang presyo ng bigas para sa bawat pamilyang Pilipino at itaguyod ang isang modernized competitive rice industry. Pero ayun na nga, hindi ito natupad mapag sa hanggang ngayon,” he said.
The senator also raised concerns over the P60-billion Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, citing allegations it was diverted to cronies instead of directly helping farmers.
Rampant importation has worsened the problem, according to him.
PSA data show actual rice imports far exceed what is needed, with USDA projecting volumes to rise from 3.65 million metric tons in 2023 to 5.4 million in 2025.
Pangilinan, a farmer himself, noted that rice farmers remain among the poorest, earning an average of only P41,000 in 2023, barely half the amount needed to support a family of five.IMT
