THE House of Representatives will begin plenary debates this week on the bill amending the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), a critical measure aimed at substantially reducing rice prices to ease the financial burden on consumers.

Recognizing the urgency, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said the legislative chamber would double the effort to hasten the plenary debates and secure the bill’s approval on second reading by Wednesday.

“We recognize the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by consumers due to high rice prices. Through these plenary debates, we are taking decisive action to bring about meaningful change and ease the financial strain on Filipino households,” Speaker Romualdez said.

Plenary debates will commence once the RTL amendment bill is sponsored by the Committee on Agriculture and Food, chaired by Quezon 1st District Rep. Mark Enverga.

Last Tuesday, the Enverga panel approved the substitute measure for  House Bill (HB) Nos. 212, 405, 1562, 9030, 9547, and in consideration of House Resolution (HR) No. 1614.

The substitute bill aims to bolster the competitiveness and resilience of the rice industry while ensuring affordable access to the essential staple for all Filipinos.