NEW DELHI – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. ordered a 60-day suspension of all rice importation starting Sept. 1, 2025, to protect local farmers during the peak of the harvest season.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez made the announcement Wednesday, following a meeting between Marcos and members of his Cabinet on the sidelines of his five-day state visit here.
“The President issued the directive after consulting with Cabinet members and upon the recommendation of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.,” Gomez said.
The PCO chief said the temporary importation halt is meant to help stabilize local palay prices and ensure farmers are not undercut by the influx of cheaper imported rice.
“Right now, the decision is to suspend all rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept. 1. ‘Yan po ang utos ng ating mahal na Pangulo para matulungan ang ating mga magsasaka ng bigas (That's the order of our President to help farmers),” he said.
Asked about potential tariff adjustments, Marcos believes it is “not yet time” to discuss possible increases in tariffs on imported rice.
Victory for farmers
Meanwhile, Senator Francis Pangilinan lauded the decision to suspend rice importation during harvest season, calling it a victory for farmers.
“Salamat po at dininig ng administrasyon ang hinaing at hiling ng ating mga magpapalay (We thank the administration for heeding the call of our rice farmers)," he said in a statement.
With the suspension taking effect in September, Pangilinan urged immediate aid for farmers now forced to sell palay at only PHP5 to PHP9 per kg.
He called for full the implementation of the Sagip Saka Law and use of food funds in the 2025 budget to buy rice directly from farmers.
The Department of Agriculture earlier recommended to Marcos the temporary suspension of rice importation and an increase in tariffs on imported rice to protect local farmers. (With Wilnard Bacelonia/PNA)