MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has filed a series of Senate resolutions urging an urgent legislative review of key agricultural and fisheries policies to ensure that farmers and fisherfolk are not marginalized. These resolutions represent his second set of legislative priorities in the 20th Congress, aiming to assess the effectiveness of the Sagip Saka Act, the impact of the Rice Tariffication Law, and the effects of commercial fishing on small-scale fisherfolk.
"These are the issues I heard directly from farmers and fisherfolk during my campaign. We need to ensure that the laws we passed are truly helping them," Senator Pangilinan stated.
The first resolution calls for an investigation into the current status of the "Sagip Saka Act." This law, authored by Senator Pangilinan in 2019, aims to directly connect farmers and fisherfolk to markets, particularly for government procurement. However, the Senator pointed out that some local governments have yet to fully implement the law. He emphasized the need for a practical assessment of its implementation to ensure that farmers and fisherfolk receive more income by reducing distribution channels, as intended by the law, and that the government can procure fresh and affordable agricultural and fishery products. This could contribute to increasing the income of farmers and fisherfolk while also providing consumers with reasonably priced agricultural and fishery products.
The second resolution urges a review of the Rice Tariffication Law, including the potential restoration of the regulatory and market intervention powers of the National Food Authority (NFA). The Rice Tariffication Law, enacted in 2019, opened up the domestic rice market and imposed tariffs on imported rice while abolishing quotas. The law aimed to stabilize rice prices and provide cheaper rice to consumers.
However, concerns have been raised about persistent rice price instability and its impact on domestic rice producers. There has been widespread criticism that increased rice imports since tariffication have led to a decrease in domestic rice prices, negatively affecting farmers' incomes. Additionally, it has been pointed out that the reduction in the NFA's intervention powers has made it difficult for the government to effectively respond to volatility in the rice market. Senator Pangilinan's resolution seeks to address these issues, protect the livelihoods of domestic rice producers, and explore ways to ensure the stability of the rice market. This will be an important discussion from a food security perspective.
The third resolution aims to assess the impact of allowing commercial fishing within municipal waters within 15 kilometers. This zone has traditionally been reserved for small-scale fisherfolk. Commercial fishing vessels, with their large ships and modern gear, can achieve large catches, and their entry into municipal waters could drastically reduce the catches of small-scale fisherfolk, posing a severe threat to their livelihoods.
Senator Pangilinan mentioned that complaints have been raised by coastal communities regarding the infringement of the livelihoods and rights of small-scale fisherfolk. He stressed the need for a thorough investigation to determine whether policy changes are undermining the livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk. This is also a crucial issue from the perspective of marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable fisheries, and an essential review for the economic stability of coastal communities.
Senator Pangilinan added that all three resolutions align with his campaign promises of food security, farmer and fisherfolk welfare, and policy reforms for the poor. He also submitted new bills on preventing political dynasties, bank deposit transparency, land use planning, and environmental protection, but he emphasized that these resolutions reflect his top priority of holding the government accountable for the implementation and impact of existing laws. This comprehensive approach demonstrates his commitment to improving policies that directly affect the lives and incomes of the most vulnerable segments of Philippine society.
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