Dep't of Agriculture halts rollout amid Comelec ban

However, Governor Garcia, who has been suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman, clarified that Cebu Province is exempt from the ban and will continue the program's rollout.

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"I know grabe yung clamor ng mga tao, I read the exemptions, na exempted itong P20-per-kilo with certain provisions," Garcia said.

She explained that one requirement is that the rice must be sold in a public location.

Garcia also emphasized that the rice is sold—not given away as aid.

"Iba yung ayuda—nagbibigay ka ng rice, ito bibilhin nila for P20," she said.

She added that another condition is that the program must not be conducted in the presence of political candidates. Additionally, local government units (LGUs) must secure exemptions to implement the program.

"I asked for a clarification from Chairman George Garcia himself and he said those are the conditions but since Cebu has existing Sugbo Mercadong Barato (SMB) for which we did ask for an exemption," Garcia explained.

She noted that SMB is an existing initiative where the Capitol sells rice at a subsidized rate.

In 2023, the Capitol allocated P100 million for the purchase of NFA rice under the program, which is distributed equitably among the 51 LGUs.

Each beneficiary is allowed to buy up to 10 kilograms of rice per week—a system designed to prevent hoarding and ensure more families benefit from the subsidy.

SMB is the country's first LGU-led program aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision of making rice more affordable for Filipino families.

Governor Garcia said that the Comelec chairman personally gave Cebu Province the go-ahead to continue the program.