Manila, Feb. 18 -- The senatorial candidates of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas are pushing for the review of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).

In a press conference in Pasay City, former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos and ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo both expressed concerns about the RTL, suggesting that the National Food Authority (NFA) should regain the authority to import and sell rice.

This, as Abalos recalled the earlier statement of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. on the proposed restoration of the NFA's regulatory powers to bring down the rising prices of rice.

"I read the comments of Secretary Kiko Laurel during the rice tariffication, at if I recall it right, ang sabi ni Secretary Laurel ay kung pwede raw ib...