By GMA Integrated News

Malacañang has issued an executive order extending the 15% tax on imported rice until December 31 of this year. 

Executive Order 105 also seeks to adjust tariffs beginning January 1, 2026, based on movements in international rice prices, with rates ranging 15% to 35%. 

“Section 2 provides that the MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, under EO No. 62 (modifying the nomenclature and rates of import duty on various products) shall be maintained until 31 December 2025,” the order read. 

“Beginning 01 January 2026, the MFN rates of duty on rice shall be:  increased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) decrease in international rice prices; or decreased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) increase in international rice prices.” 

“However, the MFN rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, shall in no case be below 15% or above 35%,” it further read. 

Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. earlier said that the country will start rice importation again by January next year with new tariff rates. However, he pointed out that he is not in favor of bringing back the tariff rate to 35% immediately despite a Senate resolution seeking to reinstate a higher tariff rate to protect Filipino farmers. 

Moreover, the latest EO also provides for the establishment of the Inter-Agency Group on Rice Tariff Adjustment (GRTA) that will monitor and adjust rice import taxes. 

The inter-agency group will be composed of representatives from the DA, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development, the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Finance, and the Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.

“The Inter-Agency Group was directed to formulate the guidelines necessary to implement this Order, including the determination of the thresholds, certification by the DA that said thresholds or trigger price levels have been reached, monitoring period, and other relevant details regarding the adjustment of the MFN rates of duty on rice,” the Palace said in a statement. 

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, the average price farmers receive for palay was P17.11 per kilogram in August 2025, with some prices reportedly plummeting to P8 per kilo. 

Meanwhile, commercial rice in Metro Manila markets retails at much higher rates, ranging from approximately P37 to P58 per kilogram for both local and imported varieties. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BM, GMA Integrated News

Published Date: November 9, 2025