No derailment in implementing rice tariff — Department of Agriculture

MANILA, Philippines — Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol has refuted a lawmaker’s claims that the Department of Agriculture is derailing the implementation of the rice tariffication law.

Piñol said there is no truth to the allegation of Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian that the DA is delaying the implementation of Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Import Liberalization Act recently signed by President Duterte.

“Contrary to the claim of Sen. Gatchalian, the DA is in fact facilitating the conduct of nationwide information campaign and consultations to explain to the rice industry stakeholders what the law is all about,” Piñol said.

This as Gatchalian warned Piñol not to delay the implementation of the law, which he had opposed when it was being deliberated in Congress.

“Secretary Piñol, please cooperate fully in implementing the law. He must work for the success of the law even if he’s against it,” Gatchalian said.

In defense, the agri chief said nationwide information campaign and consultations are already set for the whole week to address the fears and concerns of the rice industry stakeholders.

The consultations are needed in the formulation of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) which are requirements before the law could be effective.

“How could the law be implemented without an IRR? Doing that would not only create chaos but also open us to lawsuits. This was precisely the reason why DA had to hastily organize the nationwide consultations because we do not like to run afoul with the law,” Piñol said.

“It has to be implemented effectively and we in government must ensure that there would be no problems encountered in its implementation,” he added.

The economic managers have set March 5 as the deadline for issuing the IRR, the same day the law takes effect.

However, the law actually provides for a maximum of 45 days after the law’s effectivity or up to April 19 to complete the IRR.

Gatchalian already warned that he would scrutinize the IRR to be issued to make sure that it remains faithful to the intent of the law in ensuring stable rice supply and lower prices while supporting the local farmers as well as enhancing the country’s competitiveness in producing the staple.