FARMERS TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST TARIFF OFFICIALS REGARDING EO 62

Farmers’ groups have filed a complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the Tariff Commission, alleging grave misconduct and gross abuse of authority related to Executive Order 62, which reduced tariffs on imported rice and other agricultural products.

The complaint targets Tariff Commission Chair Marilou Mendoza and Commissioners Ernesto Albano and Marcosa Paderon for allegedly bypassing necessary consultations and hearings before recommending the tariff cut.

Petitioners, including leaders from various agricultural organizations, argue that the reduction from 35% to 15% violates legal limitations set by the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (RA 10863).

They claim they were not consulted or informed about the decision, which they believe was executed without proper process.

The groups are seeking the dismissal of the officials and assert that the EO 62 contradicts the flexible clause of the same law it purportedly follows.

Source : PhilNews24 | August 15, 2024