Senate President Escudero backs national food security emergency amid high rice prices

Senate President Francis Escudero supports the Department of Agriculture's (DA) proposal to declare a national food security emergency to address rising food prices, particularly rice.

Escudero emphasized the significant impact of rice prices on overall inflation and the necessity for government intervention.

The proposed emergency declaration aims to allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to distribute rice at prices below market rates through local government units and Kadiwa stores.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. indicated the DA is likely to declare the food security emergency on February 4.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. had previously reduced import tariffs on rice to 15% from 35% until 2028, but imported rice prices remain elevated.

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) has expressed concerns that lowering rice prices might negatively affect local farmers' income and urged the DA to carefully study the plan.

Escudero assured that the DA is open to making adjustments if the FFF's concerns are validated to mitigate unintended consequences.