Speaker Romualdez calls for swift drafting of IRR to ensure immediate benefits of landmark Rice Stabilization Law

SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other relevant agencies to expedite the drafting of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act, recently signed into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

This, he emphasized, is crucial for the immediate enforcement of the law’s provisions to stabilize rice prices, combat hoarding, and support Filipino farmers.

“The swift implementation of this law is non-negotiable. Our people, especially ordinary Filipinos, need to feel its benefits as soon as possible. I call on the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agencies to prioritize the drafting of the IRR and ensure that it is completed within 30 days,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Speaker Romualdez explained that the IRR serves as the roadmap for implementing the law, outlining specific actions, responsibilities, and timelines to operationalize its key provisions.

“Without the IRR, the law cannot be enforced effectively, delaying much-needed relief for consumers and support for farmers,” the House leader pointed out.

“Ang batas na ito ay ginawa para tugunan ang pangangailangan ng bawat Pilipino—lalo na ang mga hirap makabili ng bigas sa abot-kayang presyo. Pero walang mangyayari kung hindi agad maipapatupad nang maayos. Kailangang kumilos na ngayon,” Speaker Romualdez added.

The Speaker highlighted that the IRR will enable government agencies to act swiftly in stabilizing rice prices and combating manipulative practices in the market.

“With the IRR in place, the Department of Agriculture can immediately enforce provisions to regulate warehouse operations, prevent hoarding, and ensure that the National Food Authority maintains optimal rice buffer stocks sourced from local farmers. This will protect consumers from sudden price spikes and guarantee a stable rice supply,” he said.

For Filipino farmers, the IRR will ensure timely implementation of programs funded under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), which has been extended until 2031.

“Makikinabang ang ating mga magsasaka dahil sa malinaw na patakaran sa pagbili ng palay mula sa kanila para sa buffer stock ng NFA. Bukod dito, magagamit na agad ang pondo para sa makinarya, binhi, at iba pang suporta na magpapalakas sa kanilang ani,” Speaker Romualdez explained.

Speaker Romualdez also underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in drafting and implementing the IRR.

“The IRR must not only be efficient but also inclusive, reflecting the inputs of farmers, consumers, and other stakeholders. Transparency in the process will ensure that this law truly serves the people it was designed to protect,” he said.

The Speaker assured the public that the House of Representatives will closely monitor the progress of the IRR’s formulation and implementation to ensure that the objectives of the law are achieved.

“Ang bawat Pilipino ay may karapatang makaramdam ng ginhawa mula sa batas na ito. Sisiguraduhin namin sa Kongreso na ang pagpapatupad nito ay walang atrasan at makakabuti sa lahat,” Speaker Romualdez stressed.