Speaker Martin Romualdez FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines 鈥� The House of Representatives will push six proposed measures to support the administration鈥檚 initiatives toward making rice more affordable 鈥� supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.鈥檚 P20 per kilogram of rice promise.
In a statement, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez confirmed that he, key lawmakers, and the Department of Agriculture met to discuss what bills should be prioritized to ensure that the P20 per kilogram rice program becomes permanent.
Legislative blueprint for affordable rice
After the meeting, six bills were identified:
- Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) 鈥� restoring key regulatory powers to the National Food Authority (NFA) to stabilize prices and protect local production
- Livestock Development and Competitiveness Act
- Philippine Corn Industry Development Act;
- Onion Research Center Act
- Amendments to R.A. No. 7308 or the Seed Industry Development Act of 1992;
- Amendments to the Local Government Code to strengthen agricultural extension services at the LGU (local government unit) level
鈥淭hese measures are critical to transforming our food system 鈥� from farm to market 鈥� and making sure no Filipino is left hungry or helpless in the face of price shocks.聽 Legislation is the strongest tool we have to make this program permanent,鈥� Romualdez said on Wednesday.
鈥淲e will ensure that there is a P20 per kilo rice at the markets for those who need it the most 鈥� not only now, but in the years to come,鈥� he pointed out speaking in Filipino. 鈥淲e will build a system where affordable rice is not a seasonal miracle, but a daily reality.鈥�
Rice tariffication law overhaul
The House has already acted on some of the measures mentioned, like the amendments to the Rice tariffication law (RTL), which was approved on third reading last May 2024.
Under the proposal, the NFA will regain the 鈥渁uthority to oversee and ensure compliance with all pertinent standards and regulations, leveraging its established expertise and nationwide network to uphold the national interest, in rice buffer stocking and food security,鈥� by placing a new Section 5 in R.A. No. 8178.
READ: House amendments to rice tariff law approved on 3rd reading聽
According to Romualdez鈥� office, the Speaker was accompanied by House committee on agriculture chairperson and Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, Deputy Speaker Antonio Albano, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, and Isabela Gov. Rodito Albano III during the meeting inside the House complex.
Laurel meanwhile was accompanied by Undersecretary and Chief of Staff Alvin John Balagbag.
鈥淭hese are not just bills 鈥� they are blueprints for lasting change. I will personally sponsor these measures to institutionalize President Marcos鈥� vision of affordable rice for all and stronger support for our farmers,鈥� Romualdez noted.
鈥淭o do that, we must uplift our farmers. We cannot ask them to feed the nation without feeding their hopes. These laws will give them better seeds, tools, market access, and dignity,鈥� he added.
Legislative support, coordination
According to Romualdez, the House will ensure that nobody will be left behind with their attempt to institutionalize the P20 per kilogram program.
鈥淲hether you鈥檙e a farmer in the fields of Isabela or a mother budgeting for the week in Metro Manila, this program is for you,鈥� Romualdez said. 鈥淭ogether, we will deliver affordable rice, a stronger agriculture sector, and a future where no Filipino is left behind.鈥�
鈥淭he P20 per kilo of rice is not just a dream.聽 With the help of legislation, determination, and unity, we will make this permanent and continuous,鈥� he added in Filipino. /jpv