MANILA — Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has called on Malacañang to immediately issue an executive order (EO) setting a floor price for palay (unhusked rice) purchases by both national government agencies and local government units (LGUs), in line with the Sagip Saka Act.

Pangilinan, the principal author of Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Law, said the measure must be in place in time for the September to December harvest season, when farmers are most vulnerable to depressed farmgate prices.

“Kung walang tiyak na presyo ng pagbili, lugi lagi ang ating mga magsasaka. The Sagip Saka Act already empowers our national and local governments to directly purchase from farmers. Ang kailangan na lang: isang malinaw na EO mula sa Malacañang na magsisiguro na may floor price sa lahat ng pagbili ng palay,” Pangilinan said.

He explained that such a directive would give farmers certainty that their harvest will be bought at a fair and just price amid rising production costs and unstable farmgate prices. It would also compel traders to raise their buying price, as farmers would have the option to sell to the government instead.

The Sagip Saka Act, signed into law in 2019, institutionalizes direct government purchases of agricultural and fishery products from farmers’ cooperatives and associations without public bidding. The law seeks to ensure higher income for producers, cut losses from middlemen, and provide consumers with more affordable food.

Pangilinan stressed that with looming rice supply concerns, it is critical to shield Filipino farmers from exploitative traders.

“Government has the power to set the tone of the market. Kung mismong gobyerno ay may minimum floor price sa pagbili ng palay, susunod din ang merkado. Ang panalo dito: magsasaka at mamamayan,” he said.

He added that ensuring fair returns for farmers is key to safeguarding the country’s food security.

“Walang kulay ang gutom. Walang hinihintay ang gutom. If we want affordable rice for every Filipino, we must first guarantee just prices for those who plant it,” Pangilinan said.