The House of Representatives unanimously passed HB 7115 on its third reading earlier this week, which seeks to amend RA 6657, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law of 1988, by banning the practice of converting irrigated and irrigable lands for non-agricultural purposes.

The measure seeks to ensure food security in the country, particularly with the National Food Authority (NFA) reporting a rice shortage across the country.

The situation has since prompted NFA administrator Jason L.Y. Aquino to request the next arrival of rice imports, scheduled for June, to be moved up, amid speculation the government’s supply of rice could be exhausted by April.

If signed into law, the policy indicates those found to be converting irrigated and irrigable land would be subject to the stated penalties of up to three years in jail or a fine of up to P15,000.

Certain provisions of the bill may also impose jail time of up to 12 years and a fine of up to P1 million.

In addition, public officials found guilty would be removed from their post and banned from running for office in the future./PLL, WDJ