More House solons call for termination of EO reducing pork import tariffs

Twenty-two lawmakers from the House of Representative expressed support over the joint resolution seeking for the termination of President Rodrigo Duterte's Executive Order No. 128, which reduces the tariff rate for pork imports.

Representatives Michael Gorriceta, Ria Christina Fariñas, Leo Rafael Cueva, Onyx Crisologo, Evelina Escudero, Pablo Ortega, Godofredo Guya, Sergio Dagooc, Presley De Jesus, Adriano Ebcas, Len Alonte, Joseph Bernos, Luis Ferrer, Estrellita Suansing, Horacio Suansing, Raymond Mendoza, Greg Gasataya, Alex Advincula, Vilma Santos-Recto, Ed Christopher Go, Diego Ty, and Allan Ty became co-authors of the joint resolution.

In total, 39 lawmakers have signed the resolution.

House Joint Resolution 37 states that tariff reduction, as well as the increased minimum access volume of pork imports, will further decimate the local pork industry and it would also undermine the local production and the country's food security

"It is not an assurance that reduced tariffs and increased importation will stabilize or reduce the current high prices of pork meat products which has become unfairly exorbitant for consumers," the resolution stated.

"The government must heed the urgent demands and sincere appeal of hog raisers, producers and farmers against tariff reduction and MAV expansion of pork imports," it added.

Duterte's EO 128 reduced the tariff rate for imported pork within quota or minimum access volume (MAV)—whether fresh, chilled or frozen— to 5% for the first three months upon the EO’s effectivity and 10% for the fourth to 12th month.

On the other hand, tariff rates for imported meat outside of the MAV have been set to 15% for the first three months upon the EO’s effectivity and 20% for the fourth to the 12th month.

The existing 30% to 40% tariff rate for imported pork will be restored after the 12th month, the EO noted. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News