Call for lower yellow corn import tariff denounced
THE Magsasaka Partylist (MPL) strongly denounced the call of The Philippine Association of Feed Millers Inc. (PAFMI) for the government to consider lowering the tariff for yellow corn imports.
PAFMI recently blamed high corn tariffs for the increasing cost of meat and poultry products in the Philippines, citing a study by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
The NEDA report put domestic pork production costs at P112.40/kg and broiler chicken production costs at P92.40/kg, and in both cases, feed cost accounted for over half of the expenses.
However, MPL has firmly stated that reducing tariffs to facilitate the increase of yellow corn importation is not the answer, with MPL Rep. Argel Joseph T. Cabatbat called the PAFMI’s stance “irresponsible”.
“Huwag nila isisi sa tariff ang pagtaas ng poultry and pork prices, ” Cabatbat said. “In fact, the increase in importation was proven to be ineffective in decreasing the prices of agricultural products. We have seen this with rice and the RTL as well as with pork and EO (Executive Order No.) 134. There’s no indication that corn will be any different. Profiteers ang dapat sinisisi.”
The lawmaker is referring to the Rice Tariffication Law, which removed certain restrictions on rice imports as well as EO 134, which increased the minimum access volume and reduced tariffs for pork meat.
Both are aimed at increasing imports in order to stabilize product supply and prices in the Philippines. Cabatbat said that decreasing tariffs would destroy local corn farmers’ livelihood. He says it is instead more responsible to call on the government to give more support to local corn producers to ensure enough supply.
“Gayahin nila ang National Federation of Hog Farmers who refused to call on more corn import even if it will allegedly benefit them,” Cabatbat said. “It’s the patriotic thing to do.”
PAFMI has repeatedly called for a review of the current tariff structure for yellow corn imports. On the other hand, the MPL believes adjusting tariffs is a short-sighted plan.
Instead of lowering import tariffs to support supply, the farmers’ party-list said the government should earmark the collected tariffs to provide programs and support services for local corn farmers.
“Mahalin natin ang atin,” Cabatbat said. “We should focus on the development and modernization of the local corn industry instead of relying heavily on imported products. Actually, hindi lang corn. Dapat lahat ng agricultural products, ‘yan ang goal.” Ryan Ponce Pacpaco
