Farmers' groups slam EO 105 rice tariff scheme

Farmers' groups have voiced strong opposition to the government's new variable rice tariff scheme, Executive Order 105, arguing it is flawed and will not adequately protect local farmers.

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) criticized the executive order for being issued without proper consultation and accused economic managers of timing its release to avoid legislative review.

Raul Montemayor, FFF national manager, alleged that economic managers have a pattern of disregarding laws and misleading the President into signing problematic executive orders.

Executive Order 105, signed on November 7, extends the 15 percent tax on imported rice until year-end and creates a body to adjust import taxes based on international price fluctuations.

The FFF expressed concern that the variable tariff will be insufficient to stop cheap rice imports from overwhelming the market, citing the significant drop in farmgate prices of palay after tariffs were previously lowered last year.