President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. issued an executive order suspending the importation of regular and well-milled rice for 60 days, effective September 1, 2025 until October 30, 2025.

Under EO 93 dated August 29, Marcos said the suspension of the importation of regular and well-milled rice was based on the recommendation of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to protect the country’s agricultural sector.

“Upon the recommendation of the DA, the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice is hereby suspended. The suspension of importation shall not cover specialty rice varieties not commonly produced by local farmers,” the President said.

Marcos said the period of suspension may be shortened or extended, as may be necessary, upon the joint recommendation of the DA, Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

The three government departments were directed to convene within 30 days upon the effectivity of the executive order to evaluate the effects of the suspension of rice importation on the supply and prices of rice in the country.

The three agencies were also ordered to submit within 15 days from their meeting a joint recommendation to the President, through the Executive Secretary.

According to the executive order, the DA reported on August 8 a “sharp decrease in the price of rice across the market” as a result of strong local rice production in the early part of the year and the heavy arrival of imported rice in the previous months, due to reduced tariffs.

“According to the DA, there is a need to suspend the importation of regular milled and well-milled rice for 60 days, which will coincide with the peak of harvest season, to enable the domestic market to absorb the local supply, stabilize prices, and help Filipino farmers sell their palay at a fair and reasonable price,” the EO said. Presidential News Desk