During the presentation of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Arlene Brosas blasted the government’s rice importation policies and called for the immediate release of farmers’ cash assistance amidst multiple crises affecting the agricultural sector.

“Our farmers are not merely entitled to cash assistance; they deserve full compensation for bearing the brunt of destructive policies and environmental challenges. The impacts of rice liberalization, El Niño, and the looming La Niña have devastated our agricultural communities,” Rep. Brosas stated.

The lawmaker highlighted the unreleased P19.9 billion in cash assistance for farmers from excess rice tariff revenue in 2023, as mandated by RA 11203 (Rice Liberalization Law) and RA 11598 (Cash Assistance for Filipino Farmers Act).

“The P19.9 billion is not just aid but compensation for farmers who have suffered immensely due to liberalization policies, rising production costs, and climate disasters. Hindi makatarungan na pinagdadamot ito ngayon ng gobyerno,” Brosas emphasized.

Brosas criticized Executive Order 62, signed on June 20, which cuts rice tariffs from 35% to 15% and maintains reduced tariffs on corn and pork until 2028.

“Sabi ng Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas sa kanilang budget presentation, bababa raw ang inflation kapag nagbawas ng taripa ngunit kitang kita naman na ang mismong Rice Liberalization Law nga hindi napababa ang inflation, mas lumalala pa nga dahil sa sobra-sobrang importasyon,” Rep. Brosas said.

“Sinabi ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa kanyang SONA na bibigyan niya ng prayoridad ang lokal na produksyon. Pero paano natin ito seseryosohin kung patuloy ang todong importasyon?,” Rep. Brosas questioned.

The lawmaker demanded the immediate release of the farmers’ cash assistance and pushes for a national budget that truly serves the Filipino people, especially the agricultural sector.

“We demand the release of the farmers’ cash assistance without delay. Furthermore, we push for a national budget that truly serves the Filipino people, especially our agricultural sector,” Brosas concluded. ###