The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) expressed dissatisfaction with the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) proposed P58 price cap on imported rice.
FFF Manager Raul Montemayor stated that the DA has long ignored their warnings about price manipulation by importers and wholesalers.
Montemayor noted that the DA has not consulted their group on measures aimed at reducing and stabilizing rice prices in the country.
The FFF urged the DA to investigate the entire supply chain instead of solely focusing on retailers to address the issue effectively.
Montemayor suggested that pressuring retailers to lower prices could compel importers and wholesalers to follow suit.
He emphasized that the DA can trace the pricing of importers using Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) data to identify and penalize exploitative players.
The FFF also supports calls to review the Rice Tariffication Law, citing the Philippines’ declining tariff collection, which dropped to P14.4 billion.
The group proposed reinstating the previous 34% tariff rate to recover revenue losses and prevent importers and wholesalers from exploiting the system.
They argued that reverting to the former tariff rate could lower rice prices to P54 per kilo, making it more affordable for consumers.