Sen. Robinhood “Robin” C. Padilla is seeking a closer look into the government’s food security plans and actions, amid the surging costs of rice in the market.
Padilla filed Senate Resolution 1024, directing the Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media – which he chairs – to conduct the inquiry in aid of legislation.
“The rising costs of basic commodities like rice not only worsens the condition of our poor countrymen, but also push those who live on fixed incomes or earn low wages closer or below the poverty line,” he said in his resolution.
Padilla stressed the populace “has the right to be informed of the government’s plans to ensure food security as this encompasses the promotion of public health, reduction of poverty, and in fostering economic development and social stability.”
He pointed out rice is a prominent staple food in households in the Philippines and its neighbors in Asia – but is the second most imported agricultural product in the Philippines in 2022, making the Philippines the second largest rice importer globally.
While the Marcos administration briefly imposed a price ceiling for rice in late 2023, prices of rice have shot up in recent months.
“The public has the right to know of the government’s plans and actions on matters that significantly impact our people’s well-being and quality of life,” Padilla said.