DA to Comelec: Exempt NFA rice sale from spending ban

With the declaration of a food security emergency in the light of the election spending ban, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. will ask the Commission on Elections to exempt the sale of National Food Authority (NFA) rice stocks to local government units (LGUs).

- By BELLA CARIASO

"We are releasing a letter to the Comelec officially informing them that we have this kind of program and we asked the help of the LGUs (to resell NFA rice). Those who will apply should be given an exemption," Tiu Laurel said.

Former agriculture secretary Leonardo Montemayor has said the election spending prohibition covers the selling of NFA rice stocks to LGUs and the reselling by mayors to constituents.