Naghayag ng suporta si House Speaker Martin Romualdez sa naging desisyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. na isertipika bilang “urgent” ang panukalang amyendahan ang rice tariffication law (RTL).
Sa isang pahayag nitong Lunes, Mayo 6, sinabi ni Romualdez na mahalaga ang naturang desisyon ni Marcos dahil mapapababa umano nito ang presyo ng bigas at mapoprotektahan ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka.
"The certification of this bill as urgent by President Marcos is a critical step forward in our concerted efforts to improve the livelihood of our local farmers and ensure food security for all Filipinos," ani Romualdez.
Pag-amyenda sa Rice Tariffication Law, urgent – PBBM
"This amendment will allow us to address the challenges and limitations of the current law, ensuring that it serves the best interest of the agricultural sector and the consumers,” dagdag pa niya.
Samantala, sinabi rin ng House leader na mahalaga ang pag-amyenda ng RTL upang maisulong umano ang tungkulin ng National Food Authority (NFA) na direktang magbenta ng bigas sa mga pampublikong pamilihan.
"By adjusting the framework for rice importation and enhancing the role of the [NFA] in the market, we can better protect our rice prices from the volatility caused by international markets and the predatory practices of some traders,” saad ni Romualdez.
“This will lead to more stable and predictable pricing for consumers while ensuring farmers receive a fair price for their produce," dagdag pa niya.
Matatandaang taong 2019 nang maipasa ang RTL, na naglalayong alisin ang quantitative restriction ng imported na bigas sa bansa, nang lagdaan ito ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte.
