MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is aiming to have the proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) passed before the start of next harvest season in March 2026.
“Our target is to get these proposed amendments to the RTL enacted before the start of the harvest season, which begins in March next year,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said in a statement on Tuesday.
Through the amendments, the DA seeks to modernize the rice industry.
In a briefing, Tiu Laurel discussed risks faced by the rice sector with Senator Kiko Pangilinan on August 11. These threats include cheaper and higher-quality imports, shifting consumer preferences, unregulated importation, and reduced milling and drying capacity.
Pangilinan, who filed a Senate resolution to review and revise the RTL, stressed the need for Congress to “act quick” to implement the proposed amendments before the end of the Marcos administration.
The agriculture chief underscored the importance of working in alignment with the senator to pursue the goal.
“With this visit of Senator Pangilinan, we are confident we can secure the backing of the Senate for these amendments… ensuring a better future for our hardworking farmers and fisherfolk,” Tiu Laurel said.
“If we can convince President Marcos to certify a bill that includes all these amendments as urgent, then we should get this passed sooner,” he added. /jpv
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