Issues related to rice are once again making headlines – from the depletion of the National Food Authority’s stocks to alleged mischief in importing that grain. It’s déjà vu. And frankly, it’s frustrating that no one has come up with a better system.

The Duterte administration can resolve this recurring problem if it succeeds in pushing for the passage of the rice tariffication bill, now pending in the House of Representatives. The bill, which the President has certified as urgent, seeks to amend Republic Act 8178, otherwise known as the Agricultural Tariffication Act, and Presidential Decree 4, which is the law creating the National Grains Authority.