Can the Philippines still impose rice importation quotas given that the special privilege extended to it by the World Trade Organization had lapsed in June 2012? Importers have cited it as basis for their importation of rice without permits. Lawmakers led by Senate President Franklin Drilon have asked the Department of Justice (DOJ) for a legal opinion on whether the Philippines can still impose the import quotas. Rice importers have been citing the expired privilege to challenge seizure by the Customs bureau of rice shipments lacking permits. Court injunctions however compel the bureau to release confiscated rice, benefitting suspected smugglers and putting farmers at a disadvantage.
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