THE Department of Agriculture said that rice prices are expected to go down should the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) is amended.

According to Agriculture Assistant Sec. Arnel De Mesa noted that they expect the price of rice to go down when the RTL is amended.

This is because the National Food Authority is expected to regain the price stabilization function.

"Kung magkakaroon ng pagkakataon ng NFA to do price stabilization, there will be a significant reduction [in rice prices], of course. Kung magkakaroon ng pagbabago sa batas," De Mesa said.

"Kaya niya mag-cause ng pagbaba sa presyo," he added.

It will be recalled that the House of Representatives had passed the amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law on third and final reading.

Under the amendment, the National Food Authority will regain its mandate in price stabilization and supply regulation of rice.