Concerns have been raised over the possible influx of smuggled goods following the petition filed at the Supreme Court by former Magsasaka party-list representative Argel Cabatbat, seeking a halt to the implementation of an executive order slashing tariffs on imported rice and other agricultural products.
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According to industry experts, maintaining high tariffs creates a favourable environment for smugglers to flood the market with untaxed and inferior goods.
EO 62, issued last June by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., reduced the tariff on agricultural products from 35 percent to 15 percent.
Cabatbat, together with officials and members of Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) Inc.; Federation of Free Farmers Inc. (FFFI); United Broiler Raisers Association 1 Inc., and the Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), are questioning the EO before the Supreme Court.
