Rice Tarrification Law Overhaul – Senators Urged
Raffy Tulfo Calls for Overhaul of Rice Tariffication Law to Save Filipino Farmers
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Senator raffy Tulfo delivered a powerful speech in the Senate, urgently calling for a comprehensive review and overhaul of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL). Representing Isabela, the “Rice Bowl of the North,” Tulfo argued the 2019 law has failed Filipino rice farmers, leading to soaring import volumes, suppressed local prices, and a potential crisis in the agricultural sector.
The Failed Promise of rice Tariffication
The Rice Tariffication Law was enacted with the intention of stabilizing rice prices for Filipino consumers through liberalized importation. However, Senator Tulfo presented compelling evidence suggesting the law has demonstrably failed to achieve this goal. He highlighted a critically important 28.95% increase in the price of regular-milled rice between 2023 and 2024, directly contradicting the lawS stated objective.
“Did our prices go down since its enactment? Hindi po,” Tulfo emphatically stated, underscoring the disconnect between the law’s promises and the reality faced by Filipino consumers.Instead of lower prices, the RTL has opened the door to a surge in cheaper imported rice, undercutting the livelihoods of local farmers.
Billions Lost: The Impact on Filipino Rice Farmers
The consequences for Filipino rice farmers are severe. Tulfo estimates losses of up to P54 billion due to artificially suppressed farmgate prices. The absence of a strong regulatory role for the National Food Authority (NFA) exacerbates the problem, leaving farmers vulnerable to exploitative trading practices.
“Without the NFA’s involvement in rice procurement, traders face no real competition,” Tulfo explained, advocating for the restoration of the NFA’s ability to provide a competitive market force and protect local producers. The current system allows traders to dictate prices, squeezing farmers’ profits and threatening their ability to sustain their farms.
RCEF: Good Intentions, Flawed Implementation
The Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) was established alongside the RTL to mitigate the potential negative impacts on farmers, providing support for mechanization, subsidies, and essential inputs. While RCEF has been expanded to P30 billion and extended until 2031, Tulfo criticized significant implementation flaws hindering its effectiveness.
Seed Distribution Issues and Farmer Preferences
A key issue highlighted by Tulfo is the restriction to inbred rice seeds under RCEF. He questioned this limitation, pointing out that hybrid seeds offer considerably higher yields and are widely used in other rice-producing countries.
Moreover, logistical delays in the distribution of seeds and fertilizers frequently enough result in these crucial inputs arriving after critical planting seasons, rendering them useless. “Our farmers just prefer cash allotment so they can buy their seeds and fertilizers themselves,” Tulfo stated, emphasizing the need for greater adaptability and responsiveness to farmers’ needs. Direct cash assistance empowers farmers to make informed decisions based on their specific requirements and local conditions.
Politicization of the RSBSA Registry
Tulfo also exposed the politicization of the Registry System for Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA), the system used to determine eligibility for government aid. He warned that the registry is plagued by inaccuracies and manipulation, leading to situations where legitimate farmers are excluded while ineligible individuals receive assistance.
“There are legitimate farmers who are unlucky and there are those who are not real rice farmers,” he said, calling for a essential overhaul of the registration process. He proposed removing local government control and transferring duty to regional offices of the Department of Agriculture, coupled with rigorous on-ground verification of farmers’ credentials.
Urgent Call to Action: Revisiting the RTL
Senator Tulfo concluded his speech with a passionate plea to Congress and the Executive branch to urgently revisit the Rice Tariffication Law. He warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, and inaction will have devastating consequences for Filipino rice farmers and the nation’s food security.
“The clamor for the review of the Rice Tariffication Law is more than just ripe, malapit na po ito mabulok,” he said, using a vivid metaphor to convey the urgency of the situation.Farmers’ groups and even government agencies are echoing these calls for review, signaling a broad consensus that the current law is unsustainable and requires immediate attention. The future of the Filipino rice farming community,and the nation’s ability to feed itself,hangs in the balance.