The Department of Agriculture (DA) warned on Thursday that a temporary restraining order (TRO) against an executive order (EO) lowering tariffs on imported rice could negatively affect the country’s rice stocks.
DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa stated at a press briefing in Quezon City that a TRO would likely delay rice importations by private importers, impacting national stock levels. “The TRO is not good for our rice stocks because it will cause delays in importation,” De Mesa said.
This comment followed a 27-page petition filed by several agricultural organizations, including Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) and the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), asking the Supreme Court to issue a TRO to suspend EO 62, which is scheduled to take effect on July 6. The petition also seeks to declare the EO null and void and unconstitutional.
Signed by President Marcos in June, EO 62 reduces the tariff rate for imported rice from 35% to 15%. The government anticipates that this will lower rice prices by P6 to P7 per kilo.
Potential Market Impact
De Mesa noted that a TRO could create uncertainty among rice importers, causing hesitation and delays in importation, which could affect the national stock inventory and delay the expected price reduction in the market.
Despite these concerns, De Mesa assured that the government is prepared to respond should a TRO be issued against EO 62.
In response to the petition, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan expressed respect for the legal process and stated that NEDA, along with the Office of the Solicitor General, would respond appropriately.
Balisacan, along with President Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and Tariff Commission Chairperson Marilou Mendoza, were named as respondents in the petition.
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