House OKs bill restoring NFA power to import rice

Administration lawmakers approved on third and final reading on Tuesday the measure amending provisions of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) in the hope of substantially bringing down the price of rice in the retail market.

- DELON PORCALLA

House Bill 10381 was approved in plenary via a 231-3 vote with one abstention, which proposes to amend Republic Act 8178 (Agricultural Tariffication Act) as well as the five-yearold RTL (Republic Act 11203).

The measure was approved overwhelmingly, with the objective to amend certain provisions in the RTL and bring back the power of the National Food Authority (NFA) to import as well as sell the staple in the market.

Speaker Martin Romualdez said the move is aimed at making "highquality rice affordable" to every Filipino.

"This bill is not just a policy change; it is a powerful pledge to every Filipino. We are committed to ensuring that rice - our staple food remains affordable and accessible to all," Romualdez said.

Rep. Mark Enverga, chairman of the House committee on agriculture and food security, earlier assured the senators and the public in general that they definitely have "safeguards" in restoring the power of the NFA in helping stabilize the price of rice.