STAPLE. Workers unload sacks of imported rice to another truck along Dagupan St. in Manila on Sept. 9, 2024. Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Thursday (Sept. 19) urged the Bureau of Customs and the Philippine Ports Authority to increase their staff at the country’s ports to expedite the unloading of rice shipments to help increase supply and lower the price of rice in the market. (PNA photo by Yancy Lim)
MANILA – Agri Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee on Thursday called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to increase their staff at the country’s ports to expedite the unloading of rice shipments to help increase the supply and bring down market prices of the staple.
Lee's call came amid reported port congestions, which has been a significant hurdle in stabilizing rice prices as noted by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in an earlier press briefing.
“We need to work quickly and efficiently as every delay in unloading rice cargoes not only adds to costs, but also worsens the situation for consumers, especially with inflation,” Lee said in a news release.
“Biruin n’yo, nasa isa hanggang dalawang linggo na raw nakatengga ‘yung mga kargamento ng bigas sa ating mga ports. Imbes na mailabas agad sa merkado para dumami ang supply at mapababa ang presyo ng bigas, eh lalo pa itong nagmamahal (Rice cargos have been reported to being held at the ports for one to two weeks. Instead of being immediately sent to the markets to increase supply and lower prices, the delay increases the costs),” he added.
Besides increasing manpower at ports, Lee suggested implementing round-the-clock shifts to address the logistical bottlenecks and ensure faster processing of shipments to resolve backlogs quickly.
Lee reiterated his call for the immediate passage of House Bill No. 10426, which pushes 24/7 frontline government services and extension of face-to-face transactions.
His proposed measure includes the operations of the BOC and other government agencies to have speedy and efficient administration of services.
"We need all hands on deck. Increasing workforce or having 24/7 operations will significantly reduce backlogs and lower the prices of rice," the Bicolano lawmakers said.
“A seamless supply chain system, including efficient port logistics, is crucial to ensuring food security and keeping prices affordable. Mawawalan ng silbi ang Executive Order No. 62 na nagpababa ng taripa sa imported na bigas kung di naman mapapakinabangan ng mga consumers ang mas murang bigas (EO 62 which lowered the tariffs on imported rice would be useless if consumers cannot benefit from cheaper rice),” he added.
EO 62, issued by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in July, lowered the tariffs on imported rice from 35 percent to 15 percent.
Economic managers projected a PHP5 to PHP7 per kg. drop in rice retail prices due to the lowered tariffs. (PNA)
