Create food security plan before declaring state of calamity on agri — JV

Senator JV Ejercito. INQUIRER.net file photo / Tristan Tamayo

MANILA, Philippines — Create a “comprehensive” food security plan prior to the announcement of a state of agricultural emergency, Senator JV Ejercito urged on Wednesday.

Ejercito’s remark came after Malacañang was called to declare a state of calamity, or emergency to respond to concerns hounding the agricultural sector.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also sits as the chief of the Department of Agriculture.

“Food security is inevitably tied to national security so this is very crucial. But again, as a matter of principle—first, I would like to see a comprehensive plan,” Ejercito, the principal sponsor of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, said in a statement.

“What are the specifics of the declaration of a state of emergency in agriculture?” he asked.

Ejercito is looking forward for Marcos to laying out his plans for the agricultural sector on July 25, the President’s first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

“I expect the President to discuss these proposals in detail during his first SONA. I am sure that all legislators will study his administration’s priority proposals as soon as the relevant government agencies provide us with detailed plans,” he said.

The senator stressed that he will support any proposal that will give Marcos more leeway in battling agricultural hurdles.

According to Ejercito, once a state of agricultural emergency is announced, Congress must keep an eye on the implementation of measures to avoid abuses.

“I would like to see a strong legislative oversight in terms of the executive implementation of the state of emergency. The legislature should be allowed to fulfill its role of ensuring transparency and that powers will not be abused,” he said.

JPV