By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday signed an executive order (EO) temporarily modifying the rates of import duty of fresh, chilled or frozen meat of swine.

EO 128 aims to help stem the shortage in supply and rising prices of pork and other related products due to the “damaging effects” of the African swine fever.

“The government recognizes the need to immediately address the current shortage in swine meat, and endeavors to strengthen food supply to ensure that Filipinos have equitable access to food, particularly meat,” said Duterte.

The latest directive likewise intends to stabilize prices of pork meat and minimize inflation rates.

The Most Favoured Nation duty rates apply to the following goods imported to the Philippines: