Cong. Edgar Chatto backed the recent pronouncements of the Malacañand and the Department of Agriculture (DA) to revisit the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) and give more regulatory functions to the National Food Authority (NFA).
“Maganda po sana po ‘no, mabigyan muli ng authority ang NFA, kasi nawalan po talaga sila ng power para po umangkat ng bigas,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro expressed during a Palace briefing on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
As early as September of 2023, during the budget hearing of the DA, Chatto raised the concern on the setup of the NFA in cushioning the impacts of price fluctuations, which could be addressed by amending the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).
Chatto had asked NFA Acting Chief Roderico Bioco if the agency is able to use its buffer stock to help stabilize the price of rice like in the past, pointing out that the present setup of the agency is focusing its buffer stock on emergencies and calamities.
“Before there are certain levels of buffer stock that can also help out in addressing the price issues,” Chatto had stated, concerned that the local community, might not be able to understand because of NFA’s role as an alternate when there are price fluctuations.
Chatto also raised the issue on the use of buffer stock as an intervention to issues on the price of rice, recognizing its importance in cushioning the impact of present high prices on farmers, retailers and consumers.
In May 2024, the House of Representatives approved on final reading House Bill No. 10381, co-authored by Chatto, seeking amendments to the RTL, specifically on the role of NFA to supply areas where price increases or supply shortages occur.