By Wilnard Bacelonia

MANILA – SenatorFrancis Pangilinan on Tuesday urged economic managers to promptly issue the new rice tariff-setting guidelines and release the remaining PHP13-billion balance under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF).

He warned that continued delays are affecting farmers’ preparations for the next harvest.

Pangilinan noted that economic managers earlier committed to release the revised tariff guidelines within the first week of December.

With the deadline approaching, he said any setback would heighten uncertainty for rice farmers planning for the February–March harvest.

“Huwag natin paghintayin ang mga magpapalay. Huwag maligaw sa burukrasya ang bagong rice tariff-setting guidelines at ang natitirang unreleased PHP13 billion in RCEF funds (Let us not keep our rice farmers waiting. The new tariff-setting guidelines and remaining RCEF funds should not get lost in bureaucracy),” he said.

He stressed that global rice prices shift rapidly, making timely tariff adjustments essential.

“Real-time ang pagbabago ng world rice prices, sana real-time din adjustment sa taripa. O near real-time (World rice prices change in real time, so tariff adjustments should also be real time. Or at least near real time),” he added.

He flagged the unreleased PHP13 billion in RCEF funds — particularly allocations for seeds — at a time when farmers nationwide have already begun planting.

“Delayed seeds mean missed planting windows, lower yields, and lost income,” he said.

Pangilinan warned that the late release of RCEF resources stalled key interventions, including mechanization support, hauling trucks, drying facilities and training for 18,000 farmers.

He called on the Department of Finance, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development and Department of Agriculture to expedite the tariff guidelines, and urged the Department of Budget and Management to release the full RCEF balance — prioritizing seed distribution — before planting windows close. (PNA)

Published Date: November 18, 2025