Philippine farmers, including those from the province of Bohol, are eagerly awaiting a Senate review of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which has been criticized for its impact on local rice producers.
Senator Francis Tolentino, who visited Bohol on Friday, told reporters that the RTL has had a serious impact on farmers due to the lowered tariffs on rice imports, which has reduced subsidies for local farmers.
Tolentino argued that tariffs should only be lowered during times of disaster, and not as a regular practice.
He also suggested that the RTL should be generating funds to provide subsidies for farmers.
"I propose the need for a balancing act," Tolentino said, suggesting that tariffs should be increased during times of calm to generate more funds for farmers’ subsidies.
The senator’s comments come as he visited Bohol to witness the payout of benefits under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS) program, which identified 4,000 Boholanos as beneficiaries.
The Senate review of the RTL is expected to address concerns from farmers and agricultural stakeholders, who have been calling for reforms to the law to better support the local rice industry.