Duterte keeps 5% tariff on deboned meat until December 2022

President Rodrigo Duterte has retained the 5% tariff on mechanically deboned chicken and turkey meat, a measure the Department of Agriculture said would prevent a jump in prices of processed meat products.

Duterte signed Executive Order 123 on January 15, a copy of which was released by Malacañang on Monday.

In issuing the directive, Duterte cited the “urgent need” to adopt measures aimed toward mitigating the adverse impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the lives and livelihoods of Filipinos.

“[I]t is necessary for the government to provide an enabling environment that ensures the continued supply of essential food products at stable prices, helps businesses recover and sustain their operations, and preserves and creates employment opportunities, all for the purpose of supporting the economy in bouncing back and resuming its growth momentum,” the EO states. 

At the Laging Handa briefing on Monday, Agriculture Secretary William Dar said he supported the continued implementation of low tariff to stave off price increases and give Filipinos affordable choices of processed foods.

The EO took effect immediately and will be implemented until December 31, 2022. —KBK, GMA News