Angara supports proposed rice tariffication law
Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara on Sunday expressed support for the proposed rice tariffication law, which seeks to address rice supply issues in the country.
"Alam mo dapat klaro pa rin 'yung polisiya natin regarding rice, no, at ang importante diyan maipasa 'yung panukalang isinusulong ni Senator Cynthia Villar, 'yung rice tariffication, dahil sa ilalim niyan di lang 'yung mga accredited ng NFA [National Food Authority] 'yung mga pwedeng magangkat o mag-import ng bigas," Angara said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB.
"Gusto natin sa panahon ng kakulangan o shortage eh marami ang may kapangyarihan na mag-angkat para magmura talaga 'yung presyo ng bigas," he added.
The senator also emphasized that the proposed measure may put an end to rice cartels.
"Ang maganda talaga diyan hindi tayo maco-control ng rice cartel na sinasabi ng pangulo... minsan kakuntsaba pa 'yung sa gobyerno. 'Yung ganyan talagang nakakapanghinayang at kailangan na talaga ng pagbabago," Angara said.
The proposed rice tariffication law seeks to lift the quantitative restrictions (QR) on rice and allow private traders to import the staple from countries of their choice.
Senator Cynthia Villar earlier declared that the Senate is expected to pass the proposed measure this month while the House of Representatives already passed the bill last August.
President Rodrigo Duterte has promised that he will implement rice tariffication in order to stop corruption in the rice industry.