MANILA, Jan. 31 -- The food security emergency for rice may be declared on Feb. 4, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Friday.

Tiu Laurel confirmed that his office has received the official copy of the resolution on the measure from the National Price Coordinating Council (NPCC).

"Natanggap na ng opisina ko kahapon (my office received on Thursday) while I'm still in the US iyong (the) resolution that I am to sign. By Tuesday, malamang (probably) we will declare a rice emergency," the Agriculture chief said in an ambush interview at the sidelines of the signing of the memorandum of understanding with the MerryMart Groceries Centers Inc. in Pasay City.

"I have to sign it, that I am agreeable to the resolution. After th...