NFA RICE IMPORTATION HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE!

The planned importation of 300,000 metric tons of rice by the National Food Authority (NFA) is HIGHLY QUESTIONABLE.

First, the Government claims in media that the country has a production shortfall of 1.3 million metric tons (MT) of rice. But media reports DID NOT CITE ANY BASIS for this.

There was NO EXPLANATION on how the 1.3 million was arrived at.

No validation or certification on the accuracy of the figure from even one organization of farmers or rice land owners. No DETAILED BREAKDOWN of the available stocks and where to find these.

No MAJOR REASON was given for the supposed production shortfall. Neither was anything cited on what the NFA and the Department of Agriculture (DA) has done, or are doing, to address the problem

Recent floods in the Visayas and Mindanao were blamed for reduced rice production. But an intelligence report also clarified that the floods did NOT SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE potential harvests.

The production shortfall because of the Visayas and Mindanao floods was not also specified in the report. And take note, Visayas and Mindanao are NOT THE BIGEST rice producers of the country.

It’s Central Luzon, and farmers there HAVE NOT YET RAISED the alarm of a production shortfall. Nor has there been any occurrence, like FLOODS or DROUGHT, that can drastically reduce rice harvests

Last April 7, Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala was quoted as saying that “We will not be importing additional rice for 2011. Harvest is good.

But in another statement, Alcala was also quoted as saying that the Philippines may need to import up to 800,000 MT to fill the gap in local production.

Lastly, whatever happened to the supposed over-importation of rice during the previous administration? Where are the stocks? Who’s the custodian and how have these been disposed? Where’s the breakdown, and the money from the stocks sold?

Join me in asking these questions, ladies and gentlemen. It’s US WHO WILL PAY for the planned importation WITH OUR TAXES, NOT THE NFA. The NFA is just another outlet for our money.

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Six of our friends on “Time to leave Jan-Jan and Willing Willie behind”:

PERRY DIAZ

I agree, Boyet.  It's getting to be too complicated. There are bigger issues than this.

TERESITA WOODARD of Gapan, Nueva Ecija

Oo nga, pinalala ng mga malisyosong isip. Nagmamalinis, puro dumi din sila. Nagpapasaya nga ng mga tao si Willy. Sila ba, ano ginagawa nila?

ESPERLITA GARCIA of Gonzaga, Cagayan

We do not leave them behind. Instesd, we help them fight for their rights. Willy had done nothing wrong towards Janjan,  and as a host in “WIilling Willie.”  Janjan is a DISCIPLINED BOY and has SELF CONFIDENCE. His parents should not be treated as if they don’t deserve to be parents.

JOCSON ANG of Caloocan City

The truth will prevail to set you free.

SOPHIA BANAGUDOS of Zamboanga City Check. It’s not a big issue, that of Willie and Jan-Jan. There are big issues to focus on.

AILEEN SARMIENTO OCTAVIANO

Correct! It's really getting me sick.

Four of our friends on “Include Kris Aquino and ABS-CBN in Jan-Jan probe”:

MARLENE DAMOLO HOWE of Tacoma,Washington, USA include kris

I have to disagree with the article, Boyet! Kris Aquino, like other parents of child stars and models, has a working contract. What I saw Kris did with her son was a wholesome commercial. The Jan-Jan incident was different as he was made a spectacle for a measly sum and was egged on by the host

EPOY ENRIQUEZ of Las Pinas

It makes sense . . . Does KA make sense?

JUAN DELA CRUZ

Correct.. They should look at it fairly. Walang sasantuhin.

LISA ARANETA

I  have to say, Willy muna. Step by step. This incident has triggered a review of the whole television industry. Am suggesting we do not set prerequisites called "moral obligations" so we can focus better. 30