Drilon questions timing of MAV increase in pork imports

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon on Monday questioned the timing of President Rodrigo Duterte's March recommendation for an increase in the minimum access volume (MAV) of pork imports.

At a Senate inquiry, Drilon pointed out that only Congress had the power to set the MAV, noting that it was a legislative function.

This being the case, Drilon asked Agriculture Secretary William Dar why he did not come to the Senate with a MAV increase proposal when media reports stated that he recognized the need for this as early as January.

The senator said Duterte had endorsed a MAV increase last March 26, the last legislative session day.

"Why is it since January, it was only in March 26 that we receive the recommendation of the President? I assume the recommendation of the President is upon your recommendation. Why did you not recommend earlier to Congress to increase the minimum access volume," Drilon asked.

"We are just following 'yung proseso," responded Dar.

Dar also claimed that only the President could make recommendations before the Senate.

However, Drilon countered that the Senate had been receiving suggestions from various agencies and sectors.

The senator added that under Republic Act 8178, a recommendation becomes effective if Congress fails to act on it.

He cited Section 6 of the act, which says that in cases of shortages or abnormal price increases in agricultural products, whose quantitative restrictions are lifted under this Act, the President may propose to Congress, revisions, modifications or adjustments of the Minimum Access Volume: Provided, however, that in the event Congress fails to act after 15 days from receipt of the proposal, the same shall be deemed approved.

"March 26 is the last day of session and under the law, if Congress fails to act within 15 days from the time the President makes the recommendation, there will be... the increase becomes effective," Drilon said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson backed Drilon, adding that neither was there any discussion to have a special session to discuss the increase in the MAV.

The DA had proposed to hike the MAV to at least 400,000 metric tonnes from the current 54,000 MT, citing supply constraints brought about by the African swine fever outbreak. — DVM, GMA News