PANDI, Bulacan — Sen. Imee Marcos has noted that only rice exporters are benefitting from the reduced tariff on imported rice and not the Filipino rice consumers.

The presidential sister made the disclosure during a press conference in Casa Grande in this town yesterday as she graced the graduation of the 1,984 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilya program of the government.

The senator expressed concern that rice prices in the market do not automatically decrease with the reduction in tariffs on imported rice. Exporters are taking advantage of the high demand in the country, leading to higher selling prices of rice in the Philippines.

Marcos also questioned whether the Philippines has reached the point of giving up on Filipino agriculture due to the numerous problems faced by Filipino farmers.

She pointed out that she was surprised by the reduction in the tariff on imported rice from the previous 35 percent to 15 percent.

“Talagang prinoproblema namin ‘yon, iyong 15 percent na ‘yon. Nagulat nga ako. Sabi nga recommendation, pero itinatanggi naman ng DA, sabi ng DA, ang nirecommend daw ng mga magsasaka, ‘yun din ang pagkakaalam ko ay nasa singkwenta porsyento. Baka hindi nagkarinigan iyong 50 naging 15,” Marcos noted.

Marcos also pointed out that she does not understand why there is a significant increase in the profit margins of rice from those transporting it, traders, and middlemen, leading to rice prices now reaching P62 per kilo.

She also shared that, to her knowledge, the Rice Import Tariff Reduction is usually an “emergency measure” lasting only from six months to one year; however, the proposed tariff rate will remain at 15 percent until 2028.

📷 Mon Lazaro