House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez urged importers to immediately distribute 523 containers of rice stored at the Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) to help lower rice prices.
“This is similar to hoarding but using government facilities because it’s cheaper here,” Romualdez said during an on-site inspection at the MICP on Wednesday, following reports that over 800 containers, or up to 23 million kilos of imported rice, have been stored at the port for a prolonged period.
Romualdez was accompanied by House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo, ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Edvic Yap and BOC officials led by Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio.
“Let’s work together instead of thinking about increasing your profit at the expense of consumers,” Romualdez said.
According to BOC records, the 523 containers of imported rice at the MICP are worth P750,000 per container.
Romualdez visited the MICP on continuous complaints over rice shortages during his recent market visits. He suggested that some importers might be taking advantage of the regulatory period at the BOC before releasing their rice.
The inspection is part of the House of Representatives’ ongoing campaign to eradicate rice hoarding and smuggling, ensuring affordable rice in the market—a key goal of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration to maintain a stable food supply in the country.
Romualdez called for the immediate release of the rice containers and insisted that those engaged in hoarding be held accountable.
“We are here to send a clear message: Rice hoarding, smuggling, and other illegal activities that threaten the accessibility and affordability of our staple grain will not be tolerated,” said Romualdez, addressing the more than 300 members of the House of Representatives.
He said that reports of overstaying rice containers have heightened concerns about the manipulation of rice supply in the market.
Romualdez urged importers to stop abusing the 30-day regulatory period at the BOC, as it is equivalent to hoarding. Under Section 1129(d) of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, shipments must be received within 30 days, and duties and other payments must be settled.
Romualdez also recently led surprise inspections of rice warehouses in Bulacan after reports of rice hoarding surfaced.
The BOC assured that it would immediately comply with Romualdez’s directive.
