News Details

Marcos Orders 60-Day Halt on Rice Imports to Protect Farmers, Stabilize Prices

NPO

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August 31, 2025

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) 93 directing the Department of Agriculture (DA) to lead the implementation of a 60-day suspension on the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice to safeguard local farmers and stabilize market prices.

The order, signed on Aug. 29, suspends rice imports from Sept. 1 to Oct. 30, unless shortened or extended upon review. The suspension excludes specialty rice varieties that are not widely grown by local farmers.

“The DA is hereby directed to lead and monitor the implementation of the suspension of rice importation, and undertake necessary measures to ensure that the country's supply of rice remains sufficient during the period of suspension, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations,” the EO stated.

Under EO 93, the DA, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are tasked to jointly assess the policy’s effects on domestic supply and market prices. Within 30 days of the order’s effectivity, the three agencies must convene and submit a joint recommendation to the President on whether to lift or extend the suspension.

The EO also directs the DA, in coordination with the Bureau of Customs and the DTI, to immediately issue guidelines to ensure smooth enforcement.

The DA earlier cited the sharp decline in rice prices, attributed to strong local harvests and the heavy influx of imports earlier in 2025 following reduced tariffs. The agency recommended the suspension to give way to the peak harvest season, helping Filipino farmers sell their palay (unhusked rice) at fair and stable prices.

EO 93 takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

PNO News Team I PNA-PR