Agri group bares support for five Alyansa bets

FIVE senatorial bets from the administration-backed Alyansa Para Sa Bagong Pilipinas were endorsed by the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) for their unwavering commitment to the agriculture sector.

Sinag Chairman Rosendo So said that the organization is throwing its support behind incumbent senators Imee Marcos and Bong Revilla Jr., former senator Panfilo Lacson, incumbent Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar, and former Interior and Local Government secretary Benjamin Benhur Abalos Jr.

So outlined the reasons for their group's decision to support the five candidates, among them consistent advocacy for having consistently championed the protection of the local agriculture industry, support for crucial legislation, including Republic Act 12022 (Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act) and RA 12078 (Rice Tariff Law), which increased farmer allocations to P30 billion annually; opposition to harmful policies; and collaboration with Sinag in opposing detrimental policies, such as repeated tariff reductions on rice, pork and chicken.

He said that the five candidates also supported the establishment of the First Border Facility, a vital measure against agricultural smuggling.

If the five candidates win, Sinag said they expect them to prioritize measures that will reduce production and fuel costs for farmers through legislated subsidies, address the high cost of electricity, and revert rice tariffs to 35 percent to protect both consumers and local farmers.

"This endorsement highlights the critical role of these candidates in advocating for the interests of the agriculture sector and Filipino farmers," So said in a statement

"Sinag's support underscores the importance of electing leaders committed to strengthening the nation's food security and supporting local producers," he added.

Other coalition candidates have vowed to push for legislation that would further bring development and sustainability to the country's agriculture sector.

ACT-CIS Rep. and former Social Welfare secretary Erwin Tulfo stressed the need for the government to provide "the correct amount of funds" to assist farmers and protect their produce, especially amid the growing impact of climate change.