The tariff on mechanically deboned meat (MDM) of chicken and turkey will remain at 5 percent until December 2022 according to an executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte signed Executive Order (EO) 123 on Jan. 15 and the document was released to reporters on Monday.

He signed the EO to mitigate the adverse impact of the continuing crisis brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

“It is necessary for the government to provide an enabling environment that ensures the continued supply of essential food products at stable prices, helps businesses recover and sustain their operations, and preserves and creates employment opportunities, all for the purpose of supporting the economy in bouncing back and resuming its growth momentum,” the EO read.

The EO will take effect after publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation and will be applicable until Dec. 31, 2022.

Processed meat products are popular among most low-income households because chicken MDM is a key component for the manufacture of hot dogs and canned luncheon meat.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board earlier recommended maintaining the tariff rates for MDM of chicken and turkey to prevent an increase in prices of processed meat products.

Duterte is allowed to increase, reduce or remove existing rates of import duty upon the recommendation of the NEDA if Congress is not in session. (PNA)