Headlines: Govt declares food emergency on rice | February 4, 2025
The Manila Times
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Govt declares food emergency on rice
AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday declared a food security emergency on rice. The declaration was based on the recommendations of the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC), prompted by its observation of persistently high prices of rice despite lower global market costs and the reduction of rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent in July last year. The NPCC cited data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showing a 17.9 percent rice inflation in September 2023, way higher than the 4 percent food inflation target of the government. Regular and well-milled rice also remained high, rising by 19 percent and 20 percent, respectively, from the previous year. While the government has reduced tariffs to liberalize rice imports, retail prices continued to increase. Republic Act 12078 or the amended Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) authorizes the secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to declare a food security emergency in case of extraordinary price increases. While the NFA is restricted from selling rice directly to the public, the amended RTL allows the DA chief to release the agency's buffer stocks to government agencies, local government units (LGUs), and the Kadiwa ng Pangulo program. Currently, the NFA has about 300,000 metric tons (MT) of buffer stocks, and the agency plans to release half of these over the next six months. The agency said it may increase this volume if necessary.
Budget face-off before SC today
THE Supreme Court is set to tackle a high-stakes legal showdown over a controversial provision in the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA) that allows the government to tap surplus funds from state-owned corporations. The Court has scheduled oral arguments on Tuesday, Feb. 4, for two petitions challenging what critics call an unconstitutional maneuver that grants the executive branch unchecked spending power. The legal battle raises concerns over constitutional budgetary processes, separation of powers, and fiscal transparency. The core issue in both petitions revolves around Special Provision No. 1(d) of the Unprogrammed Appropriations in the 2025 GAA, which authorizes the government to use surplus funds from government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to finance specific projects. The petitioners argue that this provision may have been enacted improperly or is unconstitutional.
Read more: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/04/news/national/budget-face-off-before-sc-today/2049040
Southeast Asia looks to nuclear power
Southeast Asia’s only nuclear power plant, completed four decades ago in Bataan, about 40 miles from Manila, was built in the 1970s but left idle due to safety concerns and corruption. It has never produced a single watt of energy. Now the Philippines and other countries in fast-growing Southeast Asia are looking to develop nuclear energy in their quest for cleaner and more reliable energy. Nuclear energy is viewed by its proponents as a climate solution since reactors don't emit the plant-warming greenhouse gases released by burning coal, gas or oil. Advances in technology have helped reduce the risks from radiation, making nuclear plants safer, cheaper to build and smaller.
Senate OKs postponement of BARMM polls
THE Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading the bill that seeks to postpone the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections from May to October 2025. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. last week certified as urgent the passage of the measure. Voting 18-1-0, the senators approved Senate Bill (SB) 2862, resetting the first regular BARMM parliamentary elections. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel III voted “no”.
Read more: https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/04/news/national/senate-oks-postponement-of-barmm-polls/2048685
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BUSINESS: Manufacturing PMI dips as output growth slows
Over to business, the Philippine manufacturing sector started 2025 with strong demand growth although output expansion moderated from the highs recorded in December based on the latest S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing PMI report. The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 52.3 in January, down from December's 32-month high of 54.3. The latest reading was a five-month low, but remained above the 50.0 threshold separating an expansion from a contraction.
SPORTS: Chloe: I will do anything for Caloy
Chloe San Jose, girlfriend of the double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, has always been proud of her partner’s achievements. During the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) 2024 Awards Night, San Jose was with Yulo’s side, witnessing how delighted people were with the Olympian’s presence. San Jose, who wore a pastel pink that complimented her blonde hair and fair complexion, shared how Yulo got her heart and goes all out in supporting him.
Opinion and editorial
Antonio Contreras, Yen Makabenta, and Orlando Mercado are today’s front page columnists. Contreras analyzes the challenges to the constitutionality of the 2025 national budget, Makabenta thinks the arrest of Chinese spies and their cohorts are merely the tip of the iceberg, while Mercado wonders if aviation safety is on the decline.
Today’s editorial looks into the plight of solo parents. Read the full version in the paper’s opinion section or listen to the Voice of the Times.
Read more: https://www.manilatimes.net/opinion
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