Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan urged 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 Republic Act 11321 or the Sagip Saka Act. He stressed that the issuance is urgent and must be in place in time for the September to December harvest season, when farmers are most vulnerable to depressed farmgate prices.
Pangilinan, principal author of the Sagip Saka Law, said that such a directive would give farmers certainty that their harvest will be bought at a fair and just price, especially at a time when production costs are surging and farmgate prices remain unstable. It will also compel traders to raise their buying price of palay as farmers now have a choice to sell to the government instead.
“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.
The Sagip Saka Act (RA 11321), authored by Pangilinan and signed into law in 2019, institutionalizes the practice of direct government purchase of agricultural and fishery products from farmers’ cooperatives and associations—without the need for public bidding. This ensures higher income for producers, reduces losses from middlemen, and gives consumers access to more affordable food.
He stressed that with the looming rice supply concerns, it is critical to protect Filipino farmers from exploitative traders and depressed farmgate prices.
“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 added.
Pangilinan emphasized that ensuring a fair return for farmers is not just about livelihood—it is about securing the nation’s food supply.
“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.