Marcos signs 3 laws

(UPDATE) PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday signed into law bills aimed at improving agriculture, tourism and education.

They are the Amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act (RA 12078), the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Resident Tourists (RA 12079), and the Basic Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion Act (RA 12080).

Malacañang said Republic Act (RA) 12078 “is a crucial response to the country’s rice supply shortage.” It amends the Agricultural Tariffication Act to extend the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) for six years, with an increased budget of P30 billion.

ALL DONE President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. holds a copy of one of the measures he signed into law on Dec. 9, 2024. The president signed the Amendments to the Agricultural Tariffication Act, the Value-Added Tax (VAT) Refund for Non-Residents, and the Basic
Mental Health and Well-Being Promotion during a ceremony at Malacañang. PPA POOL/MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

“Through the RCEF, we have been able to invest in high-quality seeds, mechanization, and training for our farmers — ensuring that they are equipped with the right skills and tools to increase productivity. With the expiration of the original six-year plan for RCEF fast approaching, it became clear that we needed to extend and strengthen the program,” Marcos said.

“This will enable us to do much more for our farmers, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed and to make the rice industry even more competitive,” he added.

The addit