Robredo calls for appointment of competent, trustworthy NFA head

Vice President Leni Robredo speak during a news conference in Quezon City. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA/INQUIRER

Vice President Leni Robredo has called on government to address issues of rice supply shortage, starting with the appointment of a capable National Food Authority (NFA) leader.

“Ayusin ang NFA, resolbahan sana kaagad ang isyu ng kakulangan ng supply ng bigas, magtalaga po ng pinunong mahusay at mapagkakatiwalaan,” Robredo said in a press briefing in Quezon City on Monday morning.

(Fix the NFA, resolve the issue of the rice supply shortage, and appoint a head who is competend and trustworthy.)

“Siguraduhin na ang bawat desisyon, lalo na tungkol sa pag-angkat ng bigas ay tunay na pinag-isipan, pinagplanuhan at pinagkasunduan ng NFA council,” she added.

(Make sure that in every decision, especially when it is regarding the importation of rice, that it is well-thought of, well-planned, and agreed among the NFA council.)

The Vice President also called for the suspension of certain provisions of the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law which has allegedly affected the price of basic commodities, and the creation of safety nets for families burdened by the high inflation rate.

“I-suspend ang probisyon ng TRAIN 1 ukol sa excise tax sa krudo, at i-review ang unconditional cash transfer. Sa simula pa lamang po ng taon, ramdam na ng ating mga mamamayan ang pagtaas ng presyo,” Robredo asked.

(Suspend the TRAIN 1 provision regarding the excise tax on crude oil and review the unconditional cash transfer. Since the start of the year, the public has felt the rising prices.)

“Palawakin ang mga social protection initiatives. Paramihin po ang saklaw ng Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, at ayusin din ang mga institusyong tulad ng GSIS, SSS, OWWA, at Philippine Crop Insurance, Inc., na kasama dapat sa makakapitan ng mga nasa laylayan sa panahon ng pangangailangan,” she added.

(Expand the social protection initiatives. Increase the scope of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, and fix institutions like the GSIS, SSS, OWWA, and the Philippine Crop Insurance, Inc., which should be depended on by those who are in need.)

On August 23, NFA Spokesperson Rex Estoperez admitted that rice delivery might be delayed by seven to 12 days because sacks of rice in docked ships were infested with “bokbok” or rice weevils.

READ: Removing ‘bokbok’ from sacks of rice might delay deliveries — NFA

Several opposition lawmakers proposed for the abolition of NFA and the removal of NFA Administrator Jason Aquino and Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol for allegedly mismanaging the food supply of the country.

However, President Rodrigo Duterte dismissed on Monday the issue of food shortage as merely “political,” claiming that there is plenty of rice in the country.

“Ngayon sinasabi nila na may shortage daw ng bigas. Eh marami namang bigas, paparating pa nga dito eh. Ngayon sumobra nga,” Duterte said during his meeting with the Filipino community in Israel.

(Now they’re saying there’s a shortage of rice. There’s plenty of rice, it’s even arriving here. Now there’s even an excess.) /je

READ: Duterte assures public: There’s ‘plenty of rice’