PANGILINAN BACKS RICE IMPORT BAN EXTENSION, URGES RETURN OF 35% TARIFF

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan welcomed the government’s extension of the rice import ban until the end of the year, calling it a timely move to protect local farmers amid rising fuel prices and global market volatility.

He highlighted the Department of Agriculture’s upcoming Command Center, which will enable data-driven adjustments in palay floor prices, targeted subsidies, NFA buffer stock management, and rapid market interventions.

Pangilinan also renewed his call to restore the rice import tariff from 15% to 35%, saying the current low rate benefits importers while hurting farmers, whose production costs far exceed farmgate prices.

He noted that increasing the tariff could recover up to ₱47 billion in revenues, which could support farmers through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

The senator stressed that combining tariff adjustments with existing policies like the palay floor price and Sagip Saka Act would stabilize prices, reward farmers fairly, and strengthen national food security.

Source: PhilNews24 | November 8, 2025