Solon to DA, NEDA: Review tariff changes on farm product imports

A lawmaker has filed a resolution calling on the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to review tariff changes imposed on imported agricultural products.

House Resolution 2354, filed by Ilocos Sur Representative Deogracias Victor Savellano, expressed the strong sense of the House of Representatives on the tariff changes and urged thorough study on it by concerned agencies.

The resolution indicated that the "abrupt and unstudied" policy changes in tariff rates are seriously affecting the agriculture sector as the importation of rice and corn, at lower tariff rates, has worsened the living conditions of local farmers and their families.

"In-depth reviews and studies are needed first before these changes are to be made, taking into consideration existing conditions of importing countries vis a vis exporting nations particularly on agricultural subsidies extended by the governments of these countries," the resolution read.

"Tariffs rates changes could exert major distortions in the market that could adversely affect the country's farmers and agriculture sector," it added.

On Thursday, Marikina City Representative Stella Quimbo said the Philippines could have lost around P10 billion of tariff revenues due to the executive order that reduces tariff rate on pork products.

She also raised concern that there could be manipulation of prices in the market.

In May, President Rodrigo Duterte issued Executive Order 134 which adjusted tariff rates on pork imports under the MAV to 10% for the first three months, and 15% in the next nine months, and importation outside MAV to 20% and 25%. —LBG, GMA News