Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 6)
Because rice and corn are basic foods for the people, and sudden or unwarranted increase in their prices affects the prices of all other basic commodities and services, thereby impacting the masses.
The Presidential Rice and Corn Committee was created by virtue of Executive Order No. 6, issued by President Diosdado Macapagal.
The Committee is vested with all powers, rights, and authority sanctioned by law to fix prices for purchase and sale, designate agents for purchase and sale, regulate purchase and distribution, coordinate with government and private entities, and issue necessary rules and regulations to implement the rice and corn stabilization program.
The Committee fixes and announces prices at which the government shall purchase palay, rice, and corn from farmers and producers, ensuring that these prices afford them a fair and just return for their labor and capital investments, maintaining decent living standards.
Yes, the Executive Order authorizes the government to sell and dispose of these commodities to consumers at prices within their easy reach, even if the sale price is below the cost of acquisition when circumstances so require.
The Committee can designate any government agency, office, corporation, or other instrumentality, existing or created in the future, as the purchasing or selling agents for these commodities.
The Committee is tasked to coordinate, supervise, direct, and control existing governmental agencies involved in the program, and to coordinate with private entities engaged in production, procurement, and distribution of rice, corn, and palay.
The Committee is composed of a chairman and two members, all designated by the President.
The Committee may draw personnel, equipment, supplies, and other facilities necessary for its operation from the Office of the President or any department, office, bureau, or instrumentality of the government.