‘High rice prices proof of import failure’

MANILA, Philippines — The prevailing high prices of rice nationwide are proof that rice importation cannot stop price hikes, contrary to what the National Food Administration (NFA) has promised, militant groups said.

In a statement, Bantay Bigas and Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) blamed the NFA for the rice supply shortage and high prices of rice. They accused the NFA of “creating an artificial supply shortage to cover up its racket of selling its rice to private traders and justify rice importation.”

“The high prices of rice in the market today are proof that importation cannot stop and is not the solution to skyrocketing rice prices. The theory that it can stop high prices is fake news that the NFA and the Duterte government are trying to foist on the consuming public,” Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao said.

Casilao cited government data showing that average rice prices have been on the rise.