Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia expressed gratitude to the Department of Agriculture (DA) for its prompt decision to temporarily suspend the sale of rice priced at P20 per kilo.
This pause will last for ten days, aligning with the government’s strict ban on ayuda ahead of the elections.
Garcia emphasized the reason behind the move, saying, “Kung ang LGU ay nagbibigay ng tulong upang pababain ang presyo ng bigas, iyon ay classified na ayuda. Kaya ipinagbabawal natin ito sa loob ng sampung araw.”
He added with hope, “Sana kahapon pa ito naipatupad upang malaman ng taumbayan na may P20 na bigas na pwede nilang bilhin pagkatapos ng eleksyon.”
On Thursday, the DA declared it would stop selling P20 per kilo rice until May 12. This decision followed Comelec’s guidelines designed to ensure a fair and clean election period.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. explained, “Ang pangulo mismo ang nangunguna at patuloy na sumusuporta sa proyektong ito. Para masiguro, pansamantala munang wala munang bentahan. Ayaw din namin ng anumang isyu o kaso.”
The Comelec earlier announced a complete ban on ayuda distribution from May 2 to May 12, covering ten critical days before the midterm elections.
This includes various government assistance programs such as Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations (AICS), Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD), the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), and the controversial Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP).
However, exemptions apply to medical and burial assistance, which remain permissible during this period.
The temporary suspension aims to prevent the misuse of government aid as election influence, keeping the focus on fair democratic processes. The public is encouraged to stay informed and vigilant as Eleksyon 2025 approaches.