COMELEC GRANTS EXEMPTION TO P20 RICE PROJECT AMID POLL SPENDING BAN

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted the Department of Agriculture (DA) an exemption from the election spending ban for its P20-per-kilo rice project, allowing its implementation until 2028 under strict conditions.

Comelec emphasized that the project must not influence the May 12, 2025, polls, barring any distribution of aid or political presence during the election period.

Malacañang warned the public against fake news targeting the rice quality, clarifying that the rice to be sold is of good standard and has not yet been released.

Speaker Martin Romualdez and several senatorial candidates expressed support for the initiative, describing it as a direct solution to hunger, though critics like Kiko Pangilinan questioned its long-term sustainability without stronger support for farmers.

Meanwhile, the DA continues to boost rice imports and palay procurement, as the National Food Authority reported its highest inventory since 2020, aligning with President Marcos’ directive to stabilize supply and prices.
Source: PhilNews24 | April 26, 2025