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Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Tuesday the government is closely monitoring rice traders following the implementation of a 60-day import ban on regular and well-milled rice, warning that abusive importers could lose their permits.

In an interview on Unang Balita, Laurel noted that rice prices in local markets have fluctuated since the ban took effect, with some imported varieties being sold at inflated rates despite cheaper options being available.

"Nakita din namin sa palengke may imported rice na P48, P47 [per kilo], dating P43 to P45. Pero may imported at P35, P38, P40, P42. So technically sa mamamayan natin 'yan sana huwag din nambilhin ang mahal… Mayroon mas mura na halos pareho lang quality sa mahal," he said. 

(We saw in markets that imported rice is being sold at P48 or P47 per kilo, previously P43 to P45. But there is also imported rice at P35, P38, P40, P42. So technically, for our consumers, I hope they don't buy the more expensive ones… There are cheaper options with almost the same quality.) 

He urged consumers to be more discerning with their purchases, while assuring that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is monitoring rice retailers' compliance with the ban.

"Kaya pakiusap ko sa ating consumers na tingnan mabuti ang bigas at puwede maganda rin ang mga mas mura na imported. So umiikot kami at mino-monitor namin ang mga import. At nakausap din namin ang importers association at warning namin sila kung umabuso sila dito, baka i-blacklist din namin sila o tanggalin namin sila ng import permit in the future," he noted.

(That's why my appeal to consumers is to carefully check the rice, because cheaper imported varieties can also be of good quality. We are making the rounds and monitoring imports. We have also spoken to the importers' association and warned them that if they abuse this, we might blacklist them or revoke their import permits in the future.)

Boost for farmers

Meanwhile, Laurel said the import ban has given a temporary boost to farmers, with farmgate prices of palay rising after President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. announced the move.

"Bago in-announce 'yan mayroon tayong palay na P8 to P10 [per kilo]. Nu'ng in-announce 'yan ng ating Pangulo umakyat ng P14 to P15. Mayroon naman ibang lugar umakyat na P8 to P10 to P12 to P13. So nakatulong naman although kulang pa rin," he said. 

(Before the announcement, palay was at P8 to P10 per kilo. When the President announced it, it went up to P14 to P15. In some areas, it rose from P8 to P10 to P12 to P13. So it has helped, although it's still not enough.)

The Agriculture chief clarified that the 60-day ban is a temporary measure, emphasizing the need to amend the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) as a long-term solution.

The 60-day rice import ban took effect this week as part of government efforts to stabilize local farm gate prices and protect Filipino farmers. 

The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement had warned, however, that the ban may actually cause rice retail prices to rise because of the expected increase in local supply. 

Based on its projections, palay or unmilled rice produced by local farmers will rise by P1 to P2 per kilo and cause higher retail prices by the price range.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), however, sees that retail prices of rice would decline in the next four months. 

Possible extension

Laurel said the DA, along with agencies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), will report to the President to assess whether or not the import ban should be extended.

"Yes, of course. Open naman ang utos ng Presidente. After 30 days magre-report kami sa kanya at base sa aming analysis, hindi lang ang DA 'yan, pati ang NEDA, DOF, DTI para mapag-aralan kung anong way forward na mas maganda," he added.

(Yes, of course. The President's order is open. After 30 days, we will report to him and based on our analysis—not just the DA, but also NEDA, DOF, and DTI—we will study what's the best way forward.) 

P20 rice for fisherfolk

Meanwhile, the Agriculture secretary added that the government has begun limited rollouts of P20 rice for fisherfolk and in selected ports though the program's expansion faces administrative adjustments following changes in agency leadership.

"Yes. Nag-umpisa na tayo sa fisherfolk natin at last week ay expand natin 'yan sa GenSan Fishport at iba-iba pa. Ang problema lang na-transfer na si Secretary Vince [Dizon] sa DPWH kaya medyo nangangapa ngayon ako kung makipag-restart ako ng usapan sa new acting Secretary," he said.

(Yes. We started rolling out the P20 rice for our fisherfolk, and last week we expanded it to the General Santos Fishport, and other areas. The problem is Secretary Vince was transferred to DPWH, so I'm still trying to get a feel if I can restart talks with the new acting secretary.)

Vivencio "Vince" Dizon took over the DPWH portfolio starting September 1, Monday, following his stint with the Department of Transportation (DOTr). — VDV, GMA Integrated News

Source : msn