The P20 per kilo rice in the Philippines. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture (DA) has suspended the sale of rice at P20 per kilo (Dh1.30) until after the national and local elections on May 12, following a recommendation by the Commission on Elections (Comelec). DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa confirmed the suspension during an interview with Radyo 630 on Friday (May 2), saying the department will comply with Comelec Chair George Garcia’s guidance. “Comelec Chair Garcia advises that from now until May 12, sales will only be allowed after the election,” De Mesa said in Filipino. He added that while the DA sought clarification from Comelec on April 30 regarding the program’s continuation, they have yet to receive an official reply. “Still no reply, which means the DA will comply and we will not sell until the elections are over,” he said. The suspension follows the official imposition of an "ayuda ban" from May 2 to May 12. This includes a prohibition on distributing government aid or subsidies during the election period, with exceptions for medical and burial assistance. The rice subsidy, although a major social initiative, falls within the scope of the temporary ban. Comelec Chairman Garcia expressed gratitude to the DA for its swift action. “We thank the DA for heeding our suggestion that from May 2 to May 12, the sale of P20 rice should be suspended. It’s a good program, but it can wait,” Garcia said. “Even if it resumes on May 13, there’s no need to seek an exemption from the Comelec,” he added. The rice subsidy program was launched on Thursday (May 1), with around 500 bags sold, benefitting approximately 2,500 individuals. Once it resumes, pilot areas will include Central, Eastern, and Western Visayas, as well as the Negros Island Region. Kadiwa Centers in Metro Manila, Camarines Sur, Bulacan, and Mati—areas affected by a recent food security emergency declaration—will also continue to be covered. De Mesa assured the public that the DA has secured enough rice supply for the program until December, amounting to 370,000 metric tons or about 6 million bags of rice. CAM/Expat Media
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