Rep Wilbert Lee calls for more port staff and round-the-clock shifts to speed up rice unloading

Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee called for an increase in staff at Philippine ports and round-the-clock shifts to expedite the unloading of rice shipments, aiming to stabilize supply and reduce market prices.

Lee's proposal comes as port congestions have delayed rice cargoes by one to two weeks, hindering efforts to lower consumer costs and worsening inflation.

He urged the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to hire more employees and implement round-the-clock shifts to address logistical bottlenecks and improve service efficiency.

Lee also reiterated his call for the immediate passage of House Bill No. 10426, which aims to provide 24/7 government services to facilitate faster processing of shipments.

The lawmaker emphasized that efficient port logistics are crucial for food security and affordability, noting that Executive Order No. 62's tariff reduction on imported rice would be ineffective without addressing current delays.

EO 62, issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., lowered tariffs on imported rice from 35% to 15%, with economic managers projecting a PHP5 to PHP7 per kg drop in retail prices.