QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 726)
The National Grains Authority (NGA) is authorized to determine and import exclusively the annual wheat grain requirements of the country.
PD 726 expressly states: “Any provision of law, order or regulation to the contrary notwithstanding,” meaning NGA’s authority overrides inconsistent provisions.
The NGA must include wheat grain in its total grains policy in coordination with the rice and corn policies.
The NGA may negotiate, for and on behalf of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, the importation of wheat grains on a government-to-government basis.
Yes. Wheat grain imports are exempted from customs duties, taxes and other charges.
After the NGA makes a formal declaration by publishing it once a week for two consecutive weeks; the prohibition becomes effective on the day after the last day of such publication, except for private importation covered by procurement contracts entered into and perfected prior to that date.
The NGA must publish a formal declaration in a newspaper of general circulation once a week for two consecutive weeks, after procuring sufficient quantities and determining it can continue maintaining imports for annual requirements.
Private importation covered by procurement contracts entered into and perfected prior to the effective date of the prohibition.
They must be secured from the NGA.
The NGA shall promulgate the necessary rules and regulations to govern the allocation of wheat grains.
Any provision inconsistent or contrary with PD 726 is repealed or modified accordingly.
PD 726 shall take effect immediately.
It states that wheat requirements were determined by private wheat importers, fostering an unrealistic assessment of needs and increasing wheat product prices to the detriment of the people.
Wheat is described as a staple substitute that may be utilized in times of acute shortages in rice, provided that prices of wheat products are stabilized.
Effective price stabilization at minimum cost requires coordination of policies on the importation of not only rice and corn but other grains as well, particularly wheat.
It must make a formal declaration by publishing it as required; after the publication period and its effective date, private importation is prohibited subject to the stated exception.