Manila, May 6 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday backed the proposed amendments to Republic Act 11203 or the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL) to allow the National Food Authority (NFA) to sell rice to markets at a lower price.

The DA issued the statement after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said he would certify the proposed amendments to RTL as urgent, considering that the NFA's mandate is now limited to national buffer stocking under RTL.

In an ambush interview, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said the legislative action may be favorable in preparation for the looming La Nina and other emergency cases.

"Supportive ang DA dun (The DA is supportive of that). Mas maganda kung may ganitong provision lalo na kung...