PRESIDENT Duterte approved on Friday the recommendation of the Committee on Tariff and Related Matters (CTRM) to increase the country’s Minimum Access Volume (MAV) for pork.
The move will raise the country’s MAV or in-quota for pork from 54,210 metric tons (MT) this year by another 350,000 MT.
“This is to immediately augment the supply of pork, stabilize increasing prices, and address the pressing issues on food security,” Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.
Roque said the proposal was already submitted to Congress for its consideration, although several lawmakers had urged the President not to approve a twin proposal to raise the import volume while at the same time cutting tariff on imported pork. They said this “solution” will simply pad the already huge profits of importers while killing local hog sector already ravaged by African Swine Fever (ASF).
Under Sec. 6 of Republic Act 8178 or the Agricultural Competitiveness Enhancement Fund, the President may propose to Congress revisions, modifications or adjustments of the Minimum Access Volume (MAV).
However, in the event Congress fails to act after 15 days from receipt of the proposal, the same shall be deemed approved.
The House of Representatives (HOR) went on its Holy Week recess on Friday and is scheduled to resume its session on May 17, 2021. The Senate suspended session on Wednesday (March 24) and will also resume session on May 17.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) earlier announced it is seeking to raise the MAV for pork to address the expected shortage in pork supply this year.
It projected local farmers could only supply between 1.2 million MT and 1.3 million MT of pork this year, while demand for the said food item is at 1.6 million MT.
The shortage comes as the country continues to be devastated by the African Swine Fever, which led to the death and culling of thousands of hogs.