NFA urged to purchase P1.2-B smuggled rice

MANILA, Philippines - The call for the National Food Authority (NFA) to buy the P1.2 billion worth of smuggled rice that confiscated by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Port of Cebu has intensified.

Among those calling for the purchase of the smuggled rice are urban poor groups, industry players, and anti- corruption watchdogs.

Florinda Mercader, 48, of Ugnayan ng Mararalitang Taga Maynila, expressed belief the purchase of the 31 million sacks of rice by the NFA would help bring down the price of the commodity in the market.

Legitimate rice traders also support the call, as they said the confiscated rice might just be wasted if not disposed of immediately.

The NFA initially expressed interest in buying the confiscated rice to beef up its stock and help stabilize the supply in the market.

Mike Domingo, convenor of the People for Empowerment and Truth, an anti-corruption watchdog, expressed belief the NFA purchase of the rice is a win-win solution not only for the two agencies, but for ordinary people.

Domingo said selling the rice to NFA is an option worth exploring by the BOC, especially since it will be done according to  the provisions of the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.