Tolentino calls for Rice Tariffication Law review to aid typhoon-hit farmers

Senate Majority Leader Francis 'Tol' Tolentino called for immediate government action to support rice farmers affected by recent typhoons.

The typhoons caused P786 million in damages, with 53 percent affecting the rice sector, impacting 32,000 hectares and causing a loss of 19,000 metric tons of production.

Tolentino announced on Thursday that he will review the Rice Tariffication Law to aid affected farmers during calamities by potentially raising tariffs to generate subsidies through the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

Senator Cynthia Villar emphasized the need for subsidized RCEF in the 2025 budget to compensate for losses from tariff reductions, underscoring the importance of financial support for rice farmers.

Both leaders stressed that ensuring rice supply is crucial for food security, given its significance as a staple food in the Philippines.