MALACAÑANG on Sunday released Executive Order 105 extending the 15 percent tax on imported rice until Dec. 31, 2025, and establishing the Inter-Agency Group on Rice Tariff Adjustment to adjust rice import taxes in response to changes in world market prices. Signed on Nov. 7, EO 105 also paves the way for tariff adjustments, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2026, based on movements in international rice prices, with rates ranging from 15 to 35 percent. “Section 2 provides that the MFN (Most Favored Nation) rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, under EO No. 62 (modifying the nomenclature and rates of import duty on various products) shall be maintained until 31 December 2025,” the Palace said in a statement. “Beginning 01 January 2026, the MFN rates of duty on rice shall be: increased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) decrease in international rice prices; or decreased by five (5) percentage points per five percent (5%) increase in international rice prices,” it added. MFN rates of duty on rice, both in-quota and out-quota, will not be allowed to fall below 15 percent or above 35 percent. It also established an Inter-Agency Group on Rice Tariff Adjustment (GRTA) that will formulate the guidelines necessary to implement the order. The group will be made up of representatives from the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Finance, and Office of the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs. It will determine price thresholds, certification of trigger levels by the DA, monitoring periods, and other operational details for tariff adjustments. The EO was anchored on the constitutional provision that the State shall pursue a trade policy that serves the general welfare, as well as on the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (Republic Act 10863) and the Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 8178). The two laws give the president the power to adjust import duties, including rice, within limits set by the World Trade Organization and the Asean Trade in Goods Agreement.