EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

HouseBitl No,_2858

Introduced by Representative VICTOR A. YAP

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Act has replaced the qualitative restrictions on
rice imports with tariff in order to make rice accessible and more affordable to Filipinos, and to help
the rice sector become more competitive. The law amended RA 8178, otherwise known as the
Agricultural Tariffication Act of 1996

Apart from giving direct financial assistance to rice farmers, RA 11203 provided safety nets to
the rice sector as it grants the President emergency power to increase, reduce, or adjust existing tariff
rates to safeguard Filipino farmers. The law also imposes a special safeguard duty on rice in case of
extreme or sudden price fluctuations in accordance with RA 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act.

This bill aims to strengthen the Rice Tariffication Act by providing a clearer and more
immediate safeguard. Under this measure, the real price of rice paddy, determined after consultation
with farmers, shall be used as the basis in computing for tariff adjustments on rice. This aims to protect
and avoid uncertainties on the part of local producers of rice paddy even when prices fluctuate. This
way, farmers will be incentivized to produce in the long term.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

Representative, 2nd District of Tarlac


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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 2898

Introduced by Representative VICTOR A. YAP

AN ACT
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8178, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE: KNOWN AS THE
AGRICULTURAL TARIFFICATION ACT

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled.

SECTION 1. Section 10 of of R.A. No. 8178, as amended, is hereby further amended to read as

follows:

“SEC. 10. Special Rice Safeguard. — In order to protect the Philippine rice industry from
sudden or extreme price fluctuations, a special safeguard duty on rice shall be imposed in
accordance with R.A. No. 8800, otherwise known as the Safeguard Measures Act” and its

implementing rules and regulations.

TO PROTECT PRODUCER AND THEIR INCENTIVE TO PRODUCE IN THE LONG
TERM, EVEN WHEN ABNORMAL PRICES FLUCTUATE, THE REAL PRICE OF
RICE PADDY, DETERMINED AFTER CONSULTATION WITH FARMERS, SHALL
BE USED AS THE BASIS IN COMPUTING FOR TARIFF ADJUSTMENTS ON
RICE.”

SECTION 2. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act or any part
thereof, or the application of such section, provision or portion is declared invalid or unconstitutional,

all the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.
SECTION 3. Repealing Clause.— All laws, presidential decrees, executive orders, proclamations
and/or administrative regulations which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby

amended, modified, superseded or repealed accordingly

SECTION 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in

the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved.