THE Marcos administration is actively exploring possible amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), a move that signals a reassessment of policies affecting the country’s rice industry.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. revealed during a recent meeting with key government officials that the government is reviewing proposals to revise the law, which was enacted in 2019 to liberalize rice importation.
The President also expressed his readiness to certify as urgent the proposed Agriculture Cooperatives Act of 2025, emphasizing a focus on strengthening the agricultural sector and promoting rural development.
The RTL was initially implemented to open up rice importation, giving the government tools to better manage supply and stabilize prices.
Under its provisions, the President has the authority to halt imports under certain conditions, aiming to protect local farmers and consumers. Before the law’s enactment, the National Food Authority (NFA) played a vital role in importing rice to maintain buffer stocks and intervene during price surges. However, critics argue that the law’s liberalization measures have made the domestic rice industry vulnerable, prompting calls for reforms to better support local farmers and ensure food security.
In August 2025, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. publicly voiced concerns that the RTL “threatens to kill” the country’s rice industry. He stressed the importance of revisiting and amending laws that may no longer serve the interests of farmers and consumers.
Tiu Laurel’s remarks reflect a growing consensus that the current framework needs adjustments to bolster rice self-sufficiency, support local farmers, and reduce the country’s over-reliance on imports. The proposed amendments aim to strike a balance between free trade and safeguarding the sustainability of the local rice industry.
