MANILA, Philippines — It is “crucial” for the government to “act now” and compensate farmers for losses amounting to P61.77 billion due to flood of rice imports, Senator Francis Pangilinan said. “Farmers must begin receiving cash compensation now to reimburse them for what they have already lost. ADVERTISEMENT“The crucial matter is that the government must act now,” he added. Citing news reports, Pangilinan said farmers have lost at least P61.77 billion due to the continuous drop in farmgate price of palay. ADVERTISEMENT“Since August, when we have anticipated the misery that would befall our farmers, we have proposed immediate government response,” the senator further said.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer November 17, 2019 10:07 UTC