The Department of Agriculture (DA) has put its P20-per-kilo rice program on hold just a day after its launch to comply with the Commission on Elections (Comelec)’s ban on aid distribution during the election period.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo report that the suspension was made following guidance from Comelec Chair George Garcia. The program, which started on Labor Day, saw 2,500 beneficiaries—including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) recipients—purchase a total of 500 bags of the subsidized rice. Each person was allowed up to 10 kilos.
“Laurel explained the pause is temporary and the rice sales will resume right after the election period ends on May 12. “Target natin May 13, kasama na ang Central, Eastern, Western Visayas at Negros,” he said, adding that Kadiwa centers in Metro Manila and food emergency areas such as Bicol, Camarines Sur, and Bulacan will also be included in the next rollout.
He assured the public that there is ample supply for the program, with 6 million bags—or about 370,000 metric tons—allocated for distribution until the end of 2024. The initiative is expected to continue until 2028, aligning with the end of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s term.
Comelec, for its part, reminded government agencies to refrain from any aid or subsidy distribution during the campaign blackout period to avoid perceptions of electioneering.
