MANILA, Philippines — Local hog raisers are urging President Marcos to issue an executive order raising the pork tariffs between 30 and 40 percent, as farmgate prices continue to decline amid what they describe as “unlimited importation.”
“Farmgate price of pork in some areas has fallen to between P130 and P140 per kilo, while production costs range from P180 to P190 per kilo,” AGAP party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones said.
Hog raisers are incurring an estimated P250 million in losses daily, making it difficult for the industry to recover investments and sustain operations, he added.
According to Malacañang, the Department of Agriculture has proposed to raise the tariff from 15 to 25 percent for in-quota imports and 30 to 35 percent for out-quota imports in 2027.
The recommendation followed reports that local hog production rose by six percent in the first six months of the year.
However, Briones disputed that the increased local hog production coincided with high pork imports and inventories, resulting in farmgate prices falling from P215 per kilo in June 2025 to P150 per kilo in August 2026.
Briones said in-quota imports should be increased from 15 percent to 25 percent, while the rate for out-quota imports should be raised from 30 percent to 40 percent.
“The government should not wait for the phased tariff increase and should examine the possible use of mechanisms under Republic Act 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act,” Briones said.