POSSIBLE DELAYS. Rice prices are displayed at a rice retail store in San Andres, Manila on May 6, 2024. The Department of Agriculture said Thursday (July 4, 2024) that an issuance of temporary restraining order against the implementation of Executive Order 62, which seeks to lower tariffs on imported rice, may possibly cause delays on rice importation and the expected lowering of prices of retail rice. (PNA file photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said an issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of Executive Order (EO) 62 might cause delays both in the importation of rice and the expected lowering of retail rice prices in local markets.
The DA made the statement shortly after agricultural groups filed a petition before the Supreme Court, praying for a TRO against EO 62, alongside the demand for the due course and its declaration of nullity and unconstitutionality.
EO 62 indicates the lowering of tariffs on imported rice from 35 to 15 percent, which is set to take effect on July 6.
"In general, kung magkaroon man ng (if there will be a) TRO, the TRO is not good for our rice stocks kasi (because) it will cause delay on the importation ng ating mga private importers kung hanggang kailan man iyon na (of our private importers on until when will be the) TRO," Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in a press briefing in Quezon City.
De Mesa said a TRO might cause a "hesitation delay" on the part of importers which will also affect the country's national rice stock.
"Made-delay din iyong possible na inaasahang pagbaba ng presyo ng bigas sa merkado (The expected possible rice drop of prices in the market may also be delayed),” he added.
Despite this, De Mesa assured consumers that ”the government is always ready" for the possible implications of a TRO considering the downward trend of rice prices in the global market.
“Iyong presyo sa international market ay patuloy na bumababa at inaasahan natin ang India na maalis na rin iyong ban (The prices in the international market continue to decline and we are expecting India to remove its ban)," he said.
The prices of retail rice, however, are expected to drop by PHP6 to PHP7 per kilogram under EO 62.
As of Wednesday, the prevailing price range of imported regular milled rice in Metro Manila ranges from PHP47/kg. to PHP51/kg. and PHP52/kg. to PHP55/kg. for well-milled rice, according to DA Bantay Presyo (Price Watch).
The local regular milled rice, meanwhile, is set at PHP48/kg. to PHP52; and PHP48/kg. to PHP55/kg. for local well-milled rice.
Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority said it was aware of the decision by certain farmers' groups to initiate legal proceedings against the implementation of EO 62.
"We are currently awaiting the receipt of the petition and wish to express our utmost respect for the legal process. Please be assured that NEDA, through the Office of the Solicitor General, will respond appropriately in due course," said NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan. (PNA)
