MANILA, July 7 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday expressed support for the proposed Rice Industry and Consumer Empowerment (RICE) Act, which seeks to reinstate the regulatory functions of the National Food Authority (NFA) to better serve both farmers and consumers.

"Kapag naging batas iyon, magkakaroon na ng kapangyarihan ang NFA (Once it is enacted, the NFA will regain powers), mandato na buhayin iyong accreditation ng NFA retail outlets sa palengke (the mandate to revive the NFA's accreditation of retail outlets in markets)," DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said in an interview.

De Mesa was reacting to House Bill No. 1 filed by reelected Leyte 1st District Rep. and former House Speaker Ferdinand Martin ...