Let NFA buy rice and sell it at low price—Cong. Tulfo
TO make sure that the people would be able to buy rice at a low price for the whole year, ACT-CIS Erwin Tulfo suggested that the NFA be allowed to purchase rice from the farmers and sell it to the market it at a low price.
According to Cong. Tulfo, “Wala kasing kakumpitensya ang mga rice traders sa pagbili ng mga palay sa mga farmers kaya binabarat nila ang presyo”.
“At dahil kontrolado nila ang presyo sa farmgate, halos ginto ang presyo pagpasa nila sa merkado”.
“Ngayon kung nariyan ang NFA, e di may murang bigas lagi sa merkado,” said Tulfo.
“Napapanahon na rebisahin ng Kongreso ang Rice Tariffication Law dahil ito ang nag-alis sa NFA na makabenta ng murang bigas,” the lawmaker added.
At present, the only function of the NFA is to store rice that would serve as the buffer stock of the country.
“Few years ago lang bawat palengke may mga pwesto na may tinda ng NFA rice. May napagpipilian ang tao na murang bigas,.” added Tulfo.
“Ngayon kasi ang traders at retailers ang nagpe-presyo ng bigas. Walang kakumpitensya na NFA kaya sobrang mahal ng presyo ng bigas sa merkado ngayon,” explained Cong. Tulfo.
Tulfo also called for the return of the 20,000 authorized rice retailers in the whole country, in order for the NFA to sell rice.
He also promised to immediately review the RTL if he is fortunate to be elected as a senator this May.
