Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) is advocating for a temporary suspension of rice imports and an increase in tariffs on imported rice, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez announced on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DA is proposing a modest tariff increase on imported rice, raising it to at least 25 percent from the current 15 percent. “The Department of Agriculture is recommending an increase in tariffs on imported rice and a temporary halt to importation to protect local farmers,” Gomez stated.

The matter is set to be discussed in a Cabinet meeting with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. during his state visit to India. This measure aligns with the Marcos administration’s goal to gradually return to the original 35 percent tariff on imported rice. This comes a year after the implementation of reduced duties aimed at lowering soaring retail rice prices.