Lawmakers weigh restoring NFA powers
EO proposed to address rice price manipulation
DISCUSSIONS on restoring the National Food Authority’s (NFA) full powers, including its ability to procure rice and control prices, reignited amid growing concerns over soaring rice prices and alleged market manipulation by traders.
During Wednesday’s hearing of the House Quinta Committee, lawmakers considered proposals to restore the NFA’s role in market intervention and stabilization, following recommendations from Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr.
“Mr. Chair, I believe if we want to control the situation, mas magandang maibalik lahat ng powers ng NFA. It just has to be managed properly by honest people, Mr. Chair,” Laurel told the joint panel, also known as the Murang Pagkain Super-Committee, led by Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda.
The NFA, once a powerful agency tasked with stabilizing rice prices, lost its authority to intervene in the market with the enactment of the 2019 Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).
The law transformed the NFA into a buffer stock agency, limiting its role to maintaining a rice reserve for emergencies and calamities.
Without the NFA’s ability to sell rice in the market, prices became vulnerable to manipulation by private traders.
“So ibig sabihin, nire-recommenda mo dito sa super committee, Mr. Secretary, na pag-aralan namin kung paano natin i-enhance ang power ng NFA kagaya ng dati?,” Sultan Kudarat 2nd District Rep. Horacio Suansing asked Laurel.
Laurel affirmed the importance of action, noting that restoring the NFA’s powers could provide long-term solutions to profiteering.
“Yes, Mr. Chair, I think that is the most important and that will solve, assuming meron tayong bagong formula, mayroon kayong bagong batas na ilalabas tungkol dyan, that will solve the problems moving forward for many years, Mr. Chair,” Laurel said.
House Deputy Majority Leader and Iloilo 1st District Rep. Janette Garin suggested an executive order as an immediate measure to temporarily restore the NFA’s authority while legislation is being crafted.
“Pwede ba itong magkaroon ng recommendation sa DA for the President probably to issue an executive order that in times, in situations where there are red flags on possible rice manipulation among the traders, the President can issue an executive order to put back that power?” Garin asked Laurel.
The agriculture chief expressed willingness to explore the idea but admitted uncertainty about its legal feasibility.
“Madam Chair, we will research. I’m not too familiar with the law if it’s allowed or not. Mas maganda sa akin kung pwede yan, of course,” he said.
Salceda, who also chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means, interpreted Laurel’s response as a push for lawmakers to draft and pass a bill for a permanent solution.
“File the bill, that’s what he’s saying,” Salceda said, as he emphasized the need for legislative action.
Garin acknowledged the need for legislation but pointed out the urgency of addressing the issue now.
“We will pero medyo matagal-tagal. I was just thinking na dahil nga itong panahon na ito at nakikita na natin ang sinasabi ng World Food Programme na talagang malaki ang dagok dito sa ating human capital,” she said.
“So can a possible executive order be an intervention to this to just bring back the power temporarily while we are in the process of legislating such? ” Garin added.
