NFA says its dangerous to leave rice under the mercy of the open market

The National Food Authority (NFA) is hoping to keep its enforcement and regulatory functions even after President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Rice Tariffication Law, which effectively liberalizes rice importation in the Philippines.

This, as it would be dangerous to leave the rice sector under the mercy of the open market, the agency pointed out.

The Rice Tariffication Bill already made it through the bicameral committee this month and now awaits the final signature of Duterte.

The purpose of the bill couldn't be more straightforward. The Philippines will now allow the entry of more imported rice, without any cap, as long as it is slapped with corresponding tariff.

NFA, however, feels uncertain about a lot of things. In an earlier statement, the agency said it is now "looking into its future role" should the rice tariffication bill approved by the Senate and House of Representatives be signed into law by the President.

Under Senate Bill 1998, rider provisions were inserted that clipped most of the powers and functions of NFA in implementing its food security and stabilization role.

NFA said it was left with the mere function of buffer stocking for one specific purpose, which is to sustain the disaster relief programs of the government during natural or man-made calamities.

In a recent statement, NFA's Officer-in-Charge Administrator Tomas Escarez emphasized the importance of enforcement and regulatory function of the NFA.

“The grains industry is one of the most important sectors of our economy as it directly affects everyone because we all eat rice. Leaving it under the mercy of the open market without any regulation is just too dangerous," Escarez said.

"Hopefully, we can continue this even with the approval of the rice tariffication bill so we that quality and low-priced rice will still be available to our citizens, especially the poor,” he added.

Throughout 2018, the state-run grains agency has collected millions just from grains trading violations this year as part of its efforts to intensify its rice and market monitoring activities.

In a statement, NFA said it has apprehended at least 8,826 grains businessmen for various violations of grains trading rules and also collected at least 110.78 million in fines as of November 30.

Escarez said the NFA was able to improve its regulatory efforts by tapping other employees to assist enforcement officers nationwide.

With more manpower, NFA was able to inspect 168,140 business establishments, resulting to the increased number of apprehended erring rice traders and total fines collected. (MBM)