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Ni ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN II
PASADO na sa ikatlo at huling pagbasa ng Kamara ang panukalang batas na naglalayong palakasin ang buffer stocking capabilities ng pamahalaan, gayundin ang pagkakaroon ng mandato na magpatupad ng market interventions upang mapatatag ang presyo ng bigas may krisis man o wala.
Sa botong 231 ang pabor, tatlong kontra at isang abstention, ganap na inaprubahan sa plenaryo ang House Bill 10381 (An Act Further Amending Republic Act No. 8178, as Amended).
Para kay House Speaker Martin Romualdez, isang malaking hakbang tungo sa matatag na supply ng pagkain sa bansa ang pinagtibay na amyenda sa Agri Tariff Act.
“At the heart of the legislation, is a commitment to ensuring affordable rice prices for every household,” wika ng pinuno ng 300-plus strong House of Representatives.
“By strengthening buffer stocking capabilities and enabling market interventions, we are working towards a future where no family has to worry about the cost of this staple food. Affordable rice prices are not just an economic issue but a matter of social equity,” dugtong niya.
Ani Romualdez, ang pagpapatibay ng HB 10381 ay patunay lamang ng nagkakaisang layunin ng mga kasapi ng Kongreso at paninindigan harapin ang mga hamon sa aspeto ng food security.
“I commend my colleagues in the House for their unwavering support in passing this crucial legislation,” mariing pahayag ng Leyte lawmaker.
“Following the passage of this measure, we are providing the government with the tools necessary to effectively manage rice prices and safeguard the welfare of our farmers and consumers,” dagdag pa ng House Speaker.
