President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. extended the implementation of reduced import rates on rice, corn, and meat products until December 2024.
Based on Executive Order No. 50 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, the president’s intention in extending the reduced import rates is to ensure the affordable price of goods amid the possible effects of El Niño and African Swine Fever.
“The present economic condition warrants the continued application of the reduced tariff rates on rice, corn, and meat of swine (fresh, chilled or frozen) to maintain affordable prices for the purpose of ensuring food security, managing inflationary pressures, help augment the supply of basic agricultural commodities in the country, and diversify the country’s market sources,” the president said in the EO.
The extended reduced import rates on rice, corn, and meat will be effective until December 31, 2024.
In a report by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board endorsed the temporary extension of reduced Most Favored Nation (MFN) rates on rice, corn and pork on December 14, 2023, under Executive Order No. 10, until the said date.
Marcos is said to have ordered the NEDA Committee on Tariff and Related Matters to submit its findings and recommendations to the semiannual and annual review of tariff rates, including the review and monitoring of the subject commodities.
14 most wanted persons arrested
Police in Central Luzon captured 14 most wanted persons (MWP) and 66 other wanted persons in just one week.
The two most wanted persons at the provincial level, four at the city level, and eight at the municipal level were captured last December 17 to 23.
Most of them are said to be facing charges of rape, murder, robbery, child abuse, robbery, illegal drug use, homicide, and attempted murder.
Meanwhile, the police officer encouraged the community to support the Regional Office 3 police.
“Gawin nating lahat ang ating bahagi sa pagtiyak na naibibigay ang hustisya hindi lamang sa rehiyon kundi sa buong bansa. Anumang impormasyon na natatanggap ninyo patungkol sa mga kriminal na aktibidad at personalidad ay dapat na agad na iulat sa amin,” said PBGEN Jose Hidalgo Jr,.