Business group backs DA push to review rice tariff

The head of a local business organization said yesterday they are backing the Department of Agriculture's move to revisit the country's rice tariffication law, citing concerns over its impact on the sector.

- By Alden Monzon

Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI) chairman Jesus Arranza told The STAR that the group wants the government to ensure farmers and local producers are protected before fully opening the market to imports.

"Liberalization can only be done if you have already fortified your local sector. What I mean is we should first fix the problems of our domestic industry," Arranza said in a phone interview.

"You should have a strong domestic-based market. How can you be strong when the country is flooded by cheaper imports?" he added.