Pangilinan Hontiveros Rice Tariff Powers Bill
Senators seek to Limit Presidential Power Over Rice Tariffs Amid Farmer Concerns
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Manila, Philippines – Senators Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan and Risa Hontiveros have jointly filed a resolution seeking to revoke the President’s authority to adjust tariff rates on imported rice, citing the detrimental impact of lowered tariffs on Filipino rice farmers. The move comes after a meaningful reduction in rice tariffs led to a surge in imports, undercutting local produce and devastating livelihoods.
Call to Revert to Previous Tariff Rates
Joint Senate Resolution no. 2 proposes terminating the delegated authority granted to the President to modify rice tariff rates and reverting them to the previous level of 35%. Currently, Executive Order No.62, signed in June 2024, maintains a tariff rate of 15% on imported rice.
“We need to act now.Not later. Not tommorow. Today,” stated Senator pangilinan, chair of the Senate committee on agriculture, food, and agrarian reform. “let us not kill our farmers little by little. Let us fight for their right to earn enough and properly, to live with dignity.”
Impact of Lowered Tariffs on Filipino farmers
The resolution highlights that the drastic tariff reduction in June 2024 triggered a massive influx of foreign rice into the Philippine market, directly competing with and diminishing the value of domestically produced rice. This surge in imports contributed to the Philippines becoming the world’s top rice importer in 2024.
The consequences for local farmers have been severe. The farmgate price of palay (unhusked rice) plummeted to an average of P16.9 per kilo as of june 2025, a substantial decrease from P24.9 per kilo the previous year.Despite this price drop, the average production cost for palay – excluding drying, transportation, and storage – remained at P13.38 per kilo in 2023, squeezing farmers’ profit margins and threatening their financial stability.
Economic Hardship and Livelihood Destruction
The lowered tariffs have forced farmers to sell their palay at prices below their production costs, leading to significant financial hardship and jeopardizing their livelihoods. This situation raises concerns about food security and the sustainability of the local rice farming industry. the resolution emphasizes the need to protect Filipino farmers and ensure a stable and equitable rice market.
Legal Basis for Resolution
While acknowledging Section 1608 of Republic Act No. 10863 (the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act of 2016) delegates tariff adjustment authority to the President, the Joint Resolution asserts that this power is not absolute. Congress retains the authority to withdraw or terminate this delegated power, ensuring a balance of authority and responsiveness to the needs of the agricultural sector.
Call for Industry Review and Further Action
The Joint Resolution directs the appropriate committees of both the Senate and House of Representatives to convene caucuses and conduct a extensive review of the current state of the rice industry and the welfare of local farmers. This review aims to inform future policy decisions and develop strategies to support and protect Filipino rice farmers.
The resolution underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural sector and ensuring a sustainable future for rice farming in the Philippines.