Senator Imee Marcos has criticized the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) recent announcement on the rollout of the P20-per-kilo rice program, which is set to begin in the Visayas.
Marcos expressed concern over the program’s timing, as it coincides with the campaign season for the upcoming May elections. She warned that the initiative could be perceived by the public as a political maneuver aimed at vote buying.
Marcos said it would have been better if the program had been implemented earlier, noting that launching it during the election season could erode public trust.
The senator also questioned the geographic focus of the program, urging the DA to expand its coverage beyond the Visayas. According to her, many areas across the country are also in urgent need of rice subsidies due to rising food prices and economic challenges.
The Palace, in response to criticism of the rice subsidy plan, earlier defended the initiative. It cautioned against what it called “crab mentality” and labeled some critics as “termites of society” for undermining government efforts.
The DA previously clarified that the rice program had been approved for exemption from election restrictions by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The initial rollout is scheduled for next week in Visayas.
The issue continues to stir political debate as the election nears, with both supporters and skeptics weighing in on the program’s intentions and timing.
