Agri chief asks: What rice, corn emergency?

MANILA, Philippines - What rice and corn emergency? A surprised Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap directed this question Friday at Justice Sec. Raul Gonzalez who earlier said the government can impose a "rice and corn emergency" that would empower its agents to seize hoarded stocks. In a radio interview, Yap said he will clarify with Gonzalez what he meant with his earlier statements, saying the Justice chief had not consulted with him on the rice situation. "Hindi ko pa siya nakakausap, di ko alam anong ibig sabihin ng rice and corn emergency (I have not talked to Gonzalez, I don't know what he means by a rice and corn emergency)," Yap said in an interview on dwIZ radio. Yap insisted that there is no shortage in the supply of rice, maintaining that problem with rice is not a matter of supply but of price. Gonzalez on Thursday said government has the power to declare a rice and corn emergency, and to seize stocks of rice traders who insist on holding a rice holiday and those found to be engaged in hoarding and price manipulation. Gonzalez noted that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo "approved" the proposed takeover "option" if the need arose. The Justice Secretary said that under Section 12 of Republic Act 3452, signed on June 14, 1962, the President is authorized to declare a rice and corn emergency any time it is deemed necessary in the interest of the public. Still, Yap said he wants to have a talk with Gonzalez to thresh out the government's legal options against those exploiting the present situation. He noted that there was no need to declare a rice and corn emergency since the Revised Penal Code already allows government to take over warehouses or seize the goods of those found engaged in hoarding, manipulation or profiteering. "He's the Secretary of Justice, I don't know, that is his opinion. (But) even today we can do it under the Revised Penal Code. If ni-raid ka nagho-hoard ka, economic sabotage yan at pwede kumpiskahin. Baka may nakikita siyang mas pabor or advantage so I have to consult him also. He is our top legal man, maybe may nakikita siya (He is the Secretary of Justice, so that is his opinion. But as far as I know we can rely on the Revised Penal Code and seize the stocks of those found hoarding, we can charge them with economic sabotage. But then again, he's the government's top legal man and I have to consult with him)," Yap said. Yap also said local governments have the power to set aside calamity funds for procuring commercial rice. "Lahat yan sa power ng local government (That is within the power of the local government)," he added. Meanwhile, the Manila Police District (MPD) deployed police personnel to the NFA outlets in the city after noting the rice queues in the city are getting longer. Radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported that MPD head Chief Supt. Roberto Rosales issued the order after the NFA raised the ceiling of the maximum amount of rice that can be bought from two kilos to five kilos. - GMANews.TV