(Eagle News) – President Rodrigo Duterte warned rice cartels not to take advantage of the country’s “artificial rice shortage” as he said he would push for rice prices to be down by as low as P7 per kilo, by changing the system of rice importation.
During his State of the Nation Address, Duterte said he has already directed intelligence agencies to unmask these rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors, and that they would be charged appropriately as their actions are considered “economic sabotage.”
“To help stabilize rice prices, we also need to address the issue of artificial rice shortage. I now ask all the rice hoarders, cartels and their protectors, you know that I know who you are: stop messing with the people. I hate to… Power sometimes is not a good thing. But I hope I will not have to use it against you,” the President warned.
“Consider yourselves warned; mend your ways now or the full force of the State shall be brought to bear upon you. I am directing all intelligence agencies to unmask the perpetrators of this economic sabotage and our law enforcement agencies to bring them to justice,” Duterte said.
The President stressed that government is also working on long-term solutions to address the “artificial rice shortage” and to finally lower rice prices.
-Switch to a tariff system in rice importation-
One solution being eyed is the “switch from the current quota system in importing rice to a tariff system where rice can be imported more freely.”
Duterte said this is what should be done now, and that he will push Congress to pass this bill on changing the system of rice importation.
“This will give us additional resources for our farmers, reduce the price of rice by up to 7 pesos per kilo, and lower inflation significantly. I ask Congress to prioritize this crucial reform, which I have certified as urgent today,” he said.
The President’s SONA which lasted for less than an hour also tackled issues such as the government’s war on drugs, environmental protection, the West Philippine Sea, contractualization, corruption and the comprehensive tax reform for acceleration and inclusion (TRAIN) package 2.
The SONA which was supposed to start at 4 p.m., Monday, was delayed for an hour and a half, with the President starting his speech at 5:21 p.m., because of the leadership challenge at the House of Representatives that eventually led to the ouster of House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez after the President’s SONA.