TRO on order to lower rice import tariffs would not be good for stocks —DA

The Department of Agriculture (DA) said Thursday that a temporary restraining order (TRO) on an executive order (EO) lowering the tariff on imported rice could have an adverse impact on the country’s rice stocks.

“In general, if there will be a TRO… the TRO is not good for our rice stocks because it will cause delay in the importation of our private importers,” DA Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Arnel de Mesa said at a press briefing in Quezon City.

De Mesa made the remark after Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), the United Broiler Raisers Association, the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative, and former Magsasaka Party-list representative Argel Cabatbat filed a 27-page petition asking the Supreme Court to issue a TRO to suspend the implementation of EO 62, which is set to take effect July 6, and declare it null and void as well as unconstitutional.

Under EO 62, signed by Marcos in June, the tariff rate for imported rice is set to decrease to 15% from the previous 35%.

The government expects the price of rice to go down by P6 to P7 per kilo as a result of the order.

De Mesa said a TRO could have a “hesitation effect” among rice importers as they would be uncertain if they could import rice at lower tariff rates, thus causing possible delay in importation.

“If there will be a delay in importation, it will also cause an impact on our national stock inventory,” he said.

“Of course, a TRO can also delay the anticipated price decline in the market,” he added.

Nevertheless, the DA official said the government is “always ready” should a TRO be issued against EO 62.

In a separate statement, National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said, “We are aware of the decision by certain farmers' groups to initiate legal proceedings against the implementation of Executive Order No. 62.”

“We are currently awaiting the receipt of the petition and wish to express our utmost respect for the legal process. Please be assured that NEDA, through the Office of the Solicitor General, will respond appropriately in due course. Thank you for your understanding,” Balisacan said.

Balisacan, along with Marcos, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and Tariff Commission Chairperson Marilou Mendoza were named respondents in the petition filed by farmers groups. — BM, GMA Integrated News