MALACAÑAN, Manila — Newly appointed Presidential Communications Office (PCO) acting secretary Dave Gomez announced today that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has recommended a halt on rice importation and an increase in rice import tariff to protect local farmers.

Last week, the DA said it is pushing for a modest increase in tariffs on imported rice to at least 25 percent from the current 15 percent. The proposal is part of the government's target to gradually revert to the original 35 percent tariff on imported rice, a year after the implementation of reduced duties to help lower soaring retail rice prices.

"The Department of Agriculture is recommending an increase in tariffs on imported rice and a temporary halt to importation to protect local farmers," Gomez cited.

He assured that the Cabinet will discuss the matter with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the sidelines of his state visit in India.