Duterte signs rice tariffication bill into law

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the rice tariffication bill into law.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed this to INQUIRER.net in a text message.

“Yes,” Medialdea said when asked if the President has already signed the bill into law.

The measure, which seeks to convert the quantitative restriction (QR) on rice into tariffs is set to lapse into law on February 15 if it is not acted upon by the President.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also confirmed the development in a separate message.

Farmers and the National Food Authority (NFA) have been asking for some changes to the bill.

They are particularly seeking to tweak the provision that would strip the NFA  its regulatory powers.

Under the bill, the NFA’s function would be limited to maintaining the country’s emergency stocks in time of calamities.

It would not be allowed to license importers and regulate the entry of imported rice in the market anymore./ gsg