Is there rice shortage? ‘Friendly’ shouting match erupts between Gordon, Villar

Is there a rice shortage in the country?

A friendly shouting match erupted between Senators Richard Gordon and Cynthia Villar in Wednesday’s session of the Senate as they were discussing the issue on rice tarrification.

Villar argued that there is no rice shortage in the country and that the National Food Authority (NFA) did not import rice from other countries. She said rice is hidden by traders.

“Akala ng mga tao pag hindi namili ang NFA wala nang rice. Hindi nila alam nasa trader and rice. There is rice shortage (People thought that because the NFA did not buy rice, there will be no rice. What they don’t know is that the rice is with the traders. There is no rice shortage),” she insisted.

Gordon, however, said that if the NFA did not import rice, then there is indeed a rice shortage.

“If they didn’t buy, there is a shortage,” he said, raising his voice and calling Villar the “gentle lady.”

Villar then interrupted the Senator,  this time with her voice raised as well, saying,“No, the NFA did not buy rice… ay susmaryosep (Oh my goodness).”

Gordon, with Villar still speaking, said he did not want to argue with his “good friend” as she might bite him since she is his seatmate.

Apparently sensing the tension, Senate President Vicente Sotto III immediately mediated and ordered the session to be suspended.

Off the microphone, Sotto was heard jokingly urging Villar to smash Gordon. /ee