LGUs must seek Comelec approval before rolling out P20-per-kilo rice program

Local

LOCAL government units (LGUs) must first obtain clearance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) before they can distribute rice under the national government’s P20-per-kilo program during the election period, a regional official said.

Comelec-Central Visayas Assistant Director Atty. Veronico Petalcorin clarified that the exemption granted to the Department of Agriculture (DA) does not cover LGUs.

In a forum on Tuesday, April 29, Petalcorin said that although the DA has been authorized by the Comelec to implement the rice subsidy program, LGUs must file separate requests for exemption if they wish to participate.

As of April 29, no LGU in Central Visayas had submitted such a request, he added.

The Comelec exemption for the DA was signed by Chair George Erwin Garcia on April 25 and allows the program to continue until 2028.

However, Petalcorin emphasized that this approval comes with strict conditions designed to prevent its use as a political tool.

Comelec guidelines bar elected officials and candidates from involvement and prohibit additional “ayuda."

Petalcorin also dismissed claims of vote-buying, stressing that the rice subsidy is a national government program.

The P20-per-kilo rice initiative, a flagship campaign promise of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is scheduled to begin pilot implementation in Regions 6, 7, 8, and the Negros Island Region starting May 1.

During a meeting at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on April 23, Marcos convened governors from the Visayas to finalize the rollout, which will allow indigent families to purchase up to 10 kilograms of rice per week at the subsidized price.

The program, which initially runs until December, is being positioned as a long-term initiative to run until 2028.

The DA and LGUs will jointly shoulder the cost difference between the market price and the subsidized rate, using locally sourced rice to support both consumers and farmers.

DA Secretary Kiko Tiu Laurel will be back again in Cebu for the official launch of the subsidized rice program.(MyTVCebu)