Farmers' group wants 35% rice tariff reinstated

Farmers' group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) has filed a petition before the Tariff Commission asking that the 35 percent tariff on imported rice be restored, arguing that Executive Order 62, which lowered the tariff on outsourced staple to 15 percent, did not result in lower retail prices.

- By BELLA CARIASO

In a petition addressed to Tariff Commission Chairperson Marilou Mendoza, SINAG chairman Rosendo So noted that the decision of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to declare a food security emergency was an admission ""of the Office of the President on the failure of EO 62 in reducing rice prices.""

"This is to formalize our petition for the reinstatement of the tariffs on rice to its original rate of 35 percent to ASEAN countries and 50 percent to non-ASEAN countries by repealing EO 62," So said.

He noted that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) also acknowledged that EO 62 has not resulted in a reduction in rice prices.