Kadiwa at Bureau of Animal Industry, Quezon City (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has granted an exemption for the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) PHP20-per-kg. rice project from the election ban under Section 261 (V) of the Omnibus Election Code.
The exemption is in accordance with Comelec Resolution No. 11060, as amended by Resolution No. 11118, according to the memorandum signed by Comelec Chair George Garcia issued Friday.
The memorandum stated that the commission approved the request of Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to exempt the rice initiative, which supports the DA’s ongoing field operations and rice programs.
“By virtue of the authority granted under the said resolutions, the recommendation of the Law Department is hereby approved,” Garcia stated.
The rice project is set to run until 2028, with a total budget of PHP5 billion.
The exemption comes with several conditions: the implementation must not influence the May 12, 2025 National and Local Elections; distribution of financial aid programs such as the distribution of ‘ayuda’, TUPAD, AKAP, AICS, and 4Ps is prohibited from May 2 to May 12, 2025; and candidates or elective officials are barred from participating in distribution activities.
The DA is required to follow DSWD and agency guidelines, submit periodic disbursement reports, and allow transparency through media and public access.
The sale of rice at PHP20/kg. will roll out in the Visayas next week, fulfilling President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s 2022 campaign promise.
Under the program, indigent Filipinos are eligible to buy the PHP20-per-kg. rice.
The DA said each family will be allowed a 10-kg. purchase per week or a total of 40 kg. every month.
The rice will also be sold for PHP20 per kg. nationwide once challenges in logistics are addressed. (PNA)
