RISING RICE COSTS HIGHLIGHT NEED TO REEVALUATE TARIFFICATION LAW – DE LIMA

House Deputy Minority Leader Leila de Lima is calling for a comprehensive review of the Rice Tariffication Law (RA 11203), citing the continuing rise in rice prices and growing concerns from farmers and consumer groups.

She filed House Resolution No. 645 to assess the law’s implementation and explore restoring the National Food Authority’s (NFA) regulatory and market intervention powers.

De Lima stressed that the current market-led approach has failed to ensure affordable rice, negatively affecting households and farmers alike, and may be vulnerable to inefficiencies, speculative activities, or price manipulation.

The review would examine safeguards to prevent abuse, ensure transparency, and strengthen the NFA’s capacity to stabilize prices, maintain buffer stocks, and support local farmers.

She emphasized that relying solely on imports is insufficient to achieve food security and protect farmers, highlighting the need for proactive government support throughout the production and supply chain.

Source: PhilNews24 | January 19, 2026