Rice imports
HOARDING and profiteering remain two of the major culprits why the rice prices continue to worry the authorities and the consuming public.
Of course, everybody agrees that there’s that urgent need to ensure that rice prices should not go beyond the reach of Filiupinos.
That’s why we commend the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for looking into the reported existence of overstaying rice imports.
In a letter to Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, the PPA listed the names of consignees with overstaying rice imports.
The overstaying rice imports are at major ports of entry in the country.
Jay Daniel Santiago, PPA general manager, wants the consignees t4o immediately pull out their rice imports to stabilize the price of rice in the local market.
According to Santiago, some rice importers are not helping the government in bringing down the price of the Filipino people’s staple food.
It will be recalled that President Marcos’ campaign promises was to reduce the price of the grain for the benefit of the people.
We share the view of many that some importers “ang sinasadyang i-delay ang release ng kanilang mga rice shipments.”
Thus, we urge the authorities to ensure that all rice imports are immediately released upon payment of the right duties and taxes,
It’s a move in the fight direction.
