House Speaker Martin Romualdez issued a strong warning to rice industry stakeholders who don’t follow the law during a meeting on Friday morning. The discussion, described as “no-holds barred,” took place between Romualdez and representatives of the Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement (PRISM) at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City.
Romualdez emphasized that the House is committed to helping President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. achieve his goals of stabilizing rice prices and achieving rice self-sufficiency for the country. He stated that if stakeholders want to be part of the solution, the House will support and help them. However, if they are part of the problem, they will be rooted out.
The Speaker expressed his seriousness in assisting the President by highlighting the recent joint raids conducted on rice warehouses in Bulacan by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the House. Romualdez stated that they will continue to conduct raids on those suspected of importing, hoarding, and profiteering. Any seized rice will be given to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Kadiwa, and the Department of Agriculture (DA) for sale at a lower price.
Present during the meeting were Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos, Appropriations Committee Chairman Elizaldy Co, Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo, Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Mark Enverga, and agriculture panel Vice Chairman David “Jay-jay” Suarez.
Romualdez acknowledged PRISM’s gesture of selling rice at a lower price but noted that the recent raids targeted certain members suspected of hoarding and smuggling. He urged the group to show their sincerity by assisting the government in identifying and exposing those involved in unscrupulous trade practices.
The Speaker emphasized that the government has the capability to take over rice imports and ensure fair pricing for the Filipino people. He thanked PRISM representatives for their insights into the state of the rice industry but cautioned them not to threaten or scare the government.
The meeting ended with Romualdez’s vow to detain and remove any stakeholders involved in smuggling, profiteering, or hoarding rice. He stressed the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of the Filipino people.
