Bongbong Marcos

“ WHEREAS, Section 2 of RA 10845 or the "Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016," mandates the State to promote the productivity of the agriculture sector and to protect farmers from unscrupulous traders and importers, who by their illegal importation of agricultural products, especially rice, significantly affect the production, availability of supply and stability of prices, and the food security of the State ”

“ WHEREAS, despite the steady supply of rice, the DA and DTI have also reported that the widespread practice of alleged illegal price manipulation, such as hoarding by opportunistic traders and collusion among industry cartels in light of the lean season, as well as global events taking place beyond the Philippine's control, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, India's ban on rice exportation, and the unpredictability of oil prices in the world market, among other factors, have caused an alarming increase in the retail prices of this basic necessity ”

“ WHEREAS, the current surge in retail prices of rice in the country has resulted in a considerable economic strain on Filipinos, particularly those who are underprivileged and marginalized;
WHEREAS, to address the rising food prices, the DA and DTI have recommended the imposition of mandated price ceilings on rice in the whole country pursuant to Section 7 of RA No. ”