NextGen Day

MANILA, Philippines – Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, a vice presidential candidate, defended his vote against the Rice Tariffication measure in the Senate on Sunday, emphasizing that he abstained due to reservations.

Pangilinan got into a heated argument with former lawmaker Walden Bello during the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) debate at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza. Bello questioned Pangilinan’s position on Republic Act (RA) No. 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which disadvantages Filipino rice farmers by encouraging more rice imports.

The RTL, which took effect in February 2019, imposes farmer protection tariffs on rice imports in lieu of quantitative restrictions in order to bring rice prices down and ensure a stable supply for the country’s 100 million consumers.

Bello asked Pangilinan if he went to the restroom during the senators’ vote on the measure, noting that if he was truly an advocate for farmers, he should have voted against it.

In response, Pangilinan stated that he abstained due to reservations about supporting the measure.

“I had reservations about supporting the measure specifically, and that is why I abstained…

And we introduced legislation to amend the law. Indeed, it has been amended to allow for the payment of cash assistance to rice farmers. And we will amend it again to increase the allocation of tariff revenues for direct support and assistance to our farmers and fishermen,” Pangilinan said.

Bello characterized Pangilinan’s abstention as “crazy,” noting that he was in an untenable position to defend.

Pangilinan stated that he respected Bello’s position but disagreed with it.

He explained that he pushed for the Sagip Saka Act’s passage, which requires local government units and various government agencies to purchase goods directly from farmers and fisherfolk cooperatives.

“That is precisely why we pushed for it, as we were aware of the Rice Tariffication measure’s impact. Therefore, I respectfully disagree with his assertion that we are insane or ignorant of the implications of the Rice Tariffication law,” Pangilinan stated.

Pangilinan, Bello insisted, “should have opposed it.”

However, Pangilinan concluded their exchange by advising them to simply “agree to disagree.”

Advocate for farmers

When asked what issue or problem in society necessitated the creation of a new policy or law that could be recommended to the president, Pangilinan cited his agricultural experience.

“Ako ay sampung taon na nagsasaka ng prutas at gulay sa Alfonso, Cavite. I’ve been a fruit and vegetable farmer in Alfonso, Cavite for over ten years. I had an inkling of what our farmers and fishermen were experiencing),” he explained.

He stated that it was unjust for elderly farmers who had spent nearly their entire lives farming to remain buried in debt.

“It is not a makatarungan. This is injustice. Anong klaseng lipunan ang papayag na hayaan na lang na ‘yung mga nagpapakain sa atin, dapat retired na pero nagsasaka pa rin pero nagsasaka dahil wala silang kakainin kung hindi nila ituloy ‘yung pagsasaka What kind of society allows the very people who feed them to continue farming when they should be retired but continue farming because they will go hungry if they stop (due to a lack of funds)” According to Pangilinan.

If elected vice president, he stated that he would prioritize fully supporting farmers and fishermen, resulting in a stable food supply and alleviating hunger in the country.

“‘Pag ang tulong ay buo, dadami ang kanilang ani, dadami ang huli, dadami na rin ang supply ng pagkain sa ating mga merkado, bababa na ang presyo ng pagkain at mawawala na ang matinding gutom,'” he said.

Pangilinan stated in his closing statement that he would use his experience as a senator, former food security czar, and farmer to address the country’s poverty and hunger, which have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Sa araw ng halalan sa Mayo, matapos ang mahabang kampanya, sa tulong ng ating mga kababayan at sa awa ng Diyos, sa vice presidential race, nawa’y the last man standing is a farmer,” he said.

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