PBBM Suspends Rice Importation For 60 Days

 President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. On Wednesday, has ordered the suspension of all rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept. 1, 2025.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said that the Presidential order aims “to protect local farmers reeling from low palay prices during this current harvest season”.

The move is seen as “essential” in providing fairness in the market for the local rice farmers, which has been affected ny the excessive imports. 

The Department of Agriculture proposed suspending rice importation, but seeks increase the tariff on imported rice to 25 percent from the current 15 percent.

According to Agriculture Assistant Secretary Joycel Panlilio, reinstating the 25 percent tariff will allow local farmers to sell their harvest at fairer prices. However, Gomez said that PBBM is yet to discuss if tariffs on imported rice should be increased.

“We will still see if we need to resort to that. Right now, the decision is to suspend all rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept. 1”. Gomez said. 

The President gave the order while on his five day official state visit in India.