MANILA – Several agriculture stakeholders, including farmer organizations and industry associations, have filed a petition with the Supreme Court (SC) seeking to stop the implementation of Executive Orders No. 105 and No. 62, which reduce tariffs on imported rice, corn, and pork. The groups argue that the continued enforcement of these EOs—extended beyond their original expirations—threatens local production, farmer livelihoods, and food security.
The petition, filed on December 27, 2025, names President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. as respondents. Key petitioners include the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), and pork producers’ groups.
Core Arguments in the Petition
- Violation of RA 8800 (Safeguard Measures Act): EOs extended tariff reductions without required safeguards or consultations, exposing local agri to unfair competition.
- Irreparable Damage: Prolonged low tariffs flood markets with cheap imports, depressing farmgate prices and discouraging planting—potentially leading to reduced harvests in 2026.
- Beyond Authority: Original EOs (issued during COVID/high inflation) expired; extensions via EO 105 (rice) and EO 62 (corn/pork) allegedly overstep executive powers without new congressional action under the Rice Tariffication Law.
Petitioners seek a temporary restraining order (TRO) and eventual declaration of unconstitutionality, warning of “grave and irreparable injury” to millions of farmers if implementation continues.
The DA defends the EOs as necessary to stabilize consumer prices amid global supply issues, with Laurel noting inflation control benefits. However, groups counter that retail prices remain high despite imports, while farmers bear the brunt.
The SC has yet to act on the petition, but similar past challenges delayed tariff adjustments. This case revives debates on balancing consumer affordability with producer protection—critical as the country aims for rice self-sufficiency by 2028.
Petition Snapshot:
| EO No. | Commodities Affected | Original/Extended Tariff Reduction | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 105 | Rice | From 35% to 15-20% | Extended beyond Dec 31, 2025 |
| 62 | Corn, Pork | Various reductions | Extended indefinitely |