President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has directed key agencies to review the 60-day suspension of rice importation that is set to take effect today, September 1, to determine whether the ban should be sustained, extended, or shortened.
Through Executive Order 93, signed on August 29 and released Saturday, Marcos tasked the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to submit regular reports on domestic supply and prevailing market prices.
The three agencies must also convene within 30 days of the order’s effectivity to assess its impact and submit a joint recommendation to Malacañang.
The EO formalizes Marcos’ directive issued during his state visit to India earlier this month, suspending imports of regular milled and well-milled rice until October 30. Specialty varieties not commonly produced locally are exempted.
“The DA is hereby directed to lead and monitor the implementation of the suspension of rice importation, and undertake necessary measures to ensure that the country’s supply of rice remains sufficient during the period of suspension,” the order stated.
The DA, working with the Bureau of Customs and the DTI, is also tasked to draft guidelines for immediate enforcement.
The Agriculture department recommended the suspension to coincide with the peak harvest season, allowing the domestic market to absorb local supply, stabilize prices, and help farmers sell palay at fair rates.
The DA had earlier reported a “sharp decrease” in rice prices due to strong local output and a surge of imports earlier this year, spurred by reduced tariff rates.
EO 93 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
