Villar seeks passage of Agri Economic Sabotage Law

Sen. Cynthia Villar has called for the passage of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law to prevent middlemen and traders from taking advantage of rice farmers and consumers.

- CECILLE SUERTE FELIPE

The National Food Authority (NFA) has not proven itself to be taking care of the welfare of farmers and consumers, she said, despite Senate Bill 2432 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act having been passed in December 2023 and certified as urgent by President Marcos.

She said the NFA plays a vital role in ensuring food security and stability in the country by managing the supply and distribution of rice. It should focus on the acquisition, maintenance and distribution of rice for buffer stocking sourced from local farmers and for calamity assistance, she said.

The NFA has a yearly budget of P9 billion for local procurement.