Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. has called on members of the House Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Quezon Representative Wilfrido Mark Enverga, to support proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), arguing that while the law was well-intentioned, some of its provisions have failed to safeguard Filipino rice farmers.

In his presentation to Congress, Laurel criticized the RTL for fully liberalizing rice imports, which he said effectively stripped the National Food Authority (NFA) of its ability to regulate supply, stabilize prices, and intervene during crises. “Rice is more than just a staple,” he emphasized. “It fuels our workforce, sustains our families, and symbolizes food security for over 112 million Filipinos.”

He warned that the influx of cheap, high-quality imported rice has pushed farmgate palay prices to unsustainable lows—reaching as little as ₱8 per kilo last month, well below the break-even point even for the most efficient local producers.

Laurel also addressed claims that the government’s ₱20 rice program was responsible for the price drop, dismissing them as “absurd and simply untrue.” He cited NFA data showing that palay prices began to recover following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s announcement of a temporary suspension of rice imports, set to begin on September 1. This rebound occurred despite the continued rollout of the ₱20 rice initiative, underscoring that market regulation—not subsidies—is the key factor.

“The real issue lies in the RTL itself,” he said. “As currently written, it does not reform the rice industry—it threatens to kill it.”

He advocated for smarter, data-driven regulation and a revitalized role for the NFA, which he said possesses the expertise and logistical capacity to manage market forces while protecting public interest. “We must regain control of the rice industry,” he asserted. “It’s too vital to be left entirely to the private sector.”

Laurel also voiced support for House Bill No. 1, spearheaded by Speaker Martin Romualdez, which seeks to amend the RTL and restore the government’s authority to intervene when necessary.

“Let us give our rice farmers a fair chance,” he concluded. “Let’s build a truly masaganang bagong Pilipinas.”