Groups ready suit against new tariffs

Prices of rice are expected to drop by P6 to P7 in the coming months with the early implementation of the lowered rice tariff. —Inquirer file photo

MANILA, Philippines — Over a dozen groups reiterated on Sunday that they will ask the Supreme Court this week to nullify the new schedule of tariffs that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. specified in Executive Order No. 62.

Virgie Suarez, the agri groups’ lead counsel, said in a press conference that they aim to file the petition, which contests EO 62, by Thursday or Friday.

READ: Marcos formalizes rice tariff cut via EO 62

Jayson Cainglet, executive director of Sinag, called it a “catastrophe” for involved parties.

They also plan to file graft charges against officials of the National Economic and Development Authority and the Tariff Commission with the Ombudsman, he said. —Russel Loreto