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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Second Regular Session

House sitno._ 5931

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie”Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Rice is, undoubtedly, the most important staple for the majority of Filipinos. We are rice
eaters and in fact, rice is one of our staple crops as well, aside from corn. Hence, the market for
this basic need is remarkably large such that certain scrupulous traders, dealers, or businesses
whether they are engaged in retail or wholesale of rice have proven to have involved
themselves in the production of fake rice.

As now publicly known, fake rice is reportedly made from potatoes, sweet potatoes,
plastic and materials found in pipes and cables and its sale had been reported in countries like
China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Such fake rice now circulates in Philippine
markets starting off with the reported case of Davao City.

Fake rice has given rise to certain other questionable items like fake noodles now found
in the markets. The National Food Authority and other concerned agencies have been tasked
to launch an aggressive monitoring, inspection, and surveillance of these food items. However,
this issue cannot be taken lightly given its possible health hazards when consumed in quantities
‘over time by many of our people who are rice eaters. The same is true with fake noodles that
are now reportedly sold as well.

consuming poison or otherwise toxic food in terms of rice sold i
motive and in total disregard of the health, well being, and safey

provisions under this Act.

The immediate passage of this bill is henceforth earnes


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

593i

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Winston “Winnie”Castelo

AN ACT
AUTHORIZING THE NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY TO EXERCISE AGGRESSIVE REGULATORY
POWERS AGAINST TRADERS, DEALERS, OR BUSINESSES INVOLVED IN FAKE FOOD PRODUCTS
‘SUCH AS BUT NOT LIMITED TO FAKE RICE, FAKE NOODLES, AND THE LIKE AND IMPOSING
HIGHER FINES AND HEAVIER PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF

Be it enacted in the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines
in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Regulatory Control on Rice Sale Act of
2015”.

SEC. 2. There shall herein be enforced aggressive regulatory control on the sale, either
retail or wholesale, of rice in all public and private markets or stores throughout the country by
the National Food Authority.

‘Toward this end, the National Food Authority shall be authorized to impose higher fines
and heavier penalties for traders, dealers, or business involved in the sale of fake food products
especially the case of rice to include noodles and the like.

Provided Further That, other concerned agencies may cooperate in the identification of
rice suspected of being fake or other similar food and the conduct of appropriate laboratory
tests on their possible toxic content or danger to humans when ingested.

SEC. 3. The National Food Authority, having been authorized to exercise aggressive
regulatory control shall issue rules, regulations, guidelines, and other issuances for the effective
implementation of this Act against violations of the provisions thereof. Provided Further That,


Itis hereby allowed to coordinate with other agencies of government to carry out its prescribed
authority under this Act.

SEC. 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval, publication in the Official Gazette,
and in at least three (3) newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,