House urged: Support rice tariffication amendments

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has urged lawmakers to support amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), saying it failed to protect Filipino farmers from the impact of unrestricted rice imports.

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

While not specifying the amendments, Tiu Laurel told the committee on agriculture of the House of Representatives that the RTL, which liberalized rice imports, had "stripped the National Food Authority (NFA) of the ability to regulate supply, stabilize prices, or intervene in times of crisis," leaving farmers vulnerable to market forces.

"Rice is more than just a staple," he said. "It fuels our workforce, sustains our families, and symbolizes food security for over 112 million Filipinos."