THE Bureau of Customs (BoC) has intensified its post-clearance audit of rice importations to protect government revenue and local farmers following discovery that some importers continue to violate customs laws and regulations to avoid payment of correct duties and taxes. This prompted Guerrero to order the agency to intensify the campaign against all forms of smuggling of imported agricultural products, most especially rice. “These efforts are also intended to protect the interests of our local federation of farmers and other producers of agricultural products directly affected by the Rice Tariffication Law,” Guerrero added. Pacquiao, on the other hand, has sought a Senate inquiry into the implementation of the Rice Tariffication Law, particularly the utilization of the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF). The boxer-turned-senator stressed that the Philippine Senate is vested with the power to exercise oversight, amend or repeal the Rice Tariffication Law in view of the overriding public interest and the welfare of the Filipino farmers.

Source: Manila Times October 24, 2020 16:30 UTC