Comelec clears P20-per-kilo rice program but warns against election abuse

National

CHEAP rice is rolling out even as elections loom — but the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has a warning: deliver the grains, not political gains.

Despite the 45-day election spending ban under Section 261 of the Omnibus Election Code, the Department of Agriculture (DA) secured approval to continue disbursing public funds for its low-cost rice program. The project is set to launch next week in vote-rich areas of Central, Western, and Eastern Visayas, as well as the Negros Island Region.

In a memorandum dated April 24, Comelec Chair George Garcia approved the request submitted by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., on the condition that the project not be used to influence the outcome of the May 12 national and local elections.

Comelec law department Director Sittie Tawagon recommended the exemption, which applies to the P5 billion in public funds allocated for the program in the 2025 national budget. However, the poll body made clear that this exemption does not offer blanket immunity from scrutiny.

“The issuance of a certificate of exemption shall not preclude the Comelec from investigating and prosecuting any violation of Section 261 (o) of the [Omnibus Election Code],” the memo read. The DA is also required to submit periodic written reports of fund disbursement to regional election offices.

Garcia added further conditions in his own handwriting, requiring that rice be distributed only in public places, with the media and civil society groups given “unrestricted access” to observe the rollout.

Local government units (LGUs), however, are not automatically included in the exemption. Garcia emphasized that LGUs who wish to avail themselves of the DA’s discounted rice must secure their own separate approval from Comelec.

“Ang mga LGUs na kukuha ng P20-per-kilo na bigas ay kailangang mag-apply ng exemption sa Comelec. Hindi ibig sabihin na exempted ang DA, exempted na rin sila,” he explained in an Inquirer report.

He noted that since the DA sells the rice to LGUs at P33 per kilo, local governments will need to explain how they plan to shoulder the P13 subsidy.

He also questioned how local government units would fund the subsidy if no allocation for it exists in their 2025 budget.

Under the program’s initial implementation, families can purchase up to 19 kilos per week or 40 kilos per month.

As for concerns that the rice program could be exploited for vote-buying, Garcia clarified that no such declaration has been made yet. Formal investigation would only commence if a complaint is filed citing the rice distribution as electioneering.

He said formal proceedings would only begin if someone formally raises the issue and challenges the rice program as a potential form of vote buying.

Garcia also reminded candidates that the 45-day ban includes distributing any form of ayuda or aid masked as a government program.

Meanwhile, Malacañang urged the public to be cautious of fake news aiming to discredit the rice program.

Undersecretary Claire Castro warned that some are falsely portraying the P20-per-kilo rice as “para sa hayop,” and accused these disinformation peddlers of undermining the project and the President.(MyTVCebu)