Comelec exempts P20 rice project from poll spending ban

The Commission on Elections has granted the Department of Agriculture (DA)'s request for its P20-a-kilo rice project to be exempted from the election ban.

- RHODINA VILLANUEVA

In Memorandum No. 25-07984, Comelec Chairman George Garcia gave the green light to its law department's recommendation to approve the request for exemption of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., regarding the agency's rice program to be implemented until year 2028 with a disbursement amount of P5 billion.

However, the Comelec said the exemption comes with certain conditions.

It said "the exemption is prospective in application and the DA project should not influence the conduct of the May 12, 2025 polls."

"It shall not involve in any distribution of ayuda or similar programs from May 2, 2025 to May 12, 2025 as well as medical and burial assistance," noted the Comelec.

It also pointed out that "elective officials and/or candidates/aspirants shall not be present during the distribution of ayuda, TUPAD, AKAP, AICS and 4Ps in whatever nature or form."

"The requesting party, including its personnel and partners, shall strictly and faithfully observe the guidelines submitted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)and other relevant agencies," the Comelec said.

Fake news on rice

Malacañang warned the public yesterday against fake news about the quality of the P20 per kilo rice to be sold by the government.

Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said fake news peddlers are making it appear that the cheaper rice looks like animal feed.

"We are warning the public to be careful because it is likely that someone will sabotage this project," Castro said at a press briefing.

She said the rice that will be sold at a cheaper price is the variety that is currently being sold in the market at P33 a kilo.

Castro said the rice that will be sold in the market and in Kadiwa outlets under the P20-per-kilo initiative has not yet been released.