MANILA, Philippines — Senators yesterday rebuffed Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol on his claim that the looming enactment of the Rice Tariffication Bill into law would prevent the National Food Authority (NFA) from selling the staple at cheap prices. Piñol previously said NFA would stop selling P27 per kilo rice once the law on rice tariffication is enacted. Malacañang yesterday said President Duterte is expected to sign the rice tariffication bill into law at anytime. Duterte had certified the passage of the rice tariffication bill as urgent, saying the measure would ensure adequate rice supply, lower prices and prevent hoarding. The measure, principally authored by Sen. Cynthia Villar, seeks to replace the import quotas on rice with a 35 percent tariff.

Source: Philippine Star December 19, 2018 16:18 UTC