MANILA - Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Wednesday ordered the suspension of rice importation for 60 days beginning Sept 1 to protect Filipino farmers during this current harvest season.

Marcos issued the directive after consulting with cabinet members and upon the recommendation of Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel.

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The country's Department of Agriculture earlier recommended to Marcos the temporary suspension of rice importation and an increase in tariffs on imported rice to protect local farmers.