MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has urged candidates in the upcoming Eleksyon 2025 elections to refrain from associating themselves with the P20-per-kilo subsidized rice program, which is set to pilot in the Visayas region.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro issued the directive on Thursday, warning that candidates must not use the program for political gain.
“Candidates should not be involved, and their faces should not be seen on any tarpaulins related to this initiative,” Castro said in a media briefing.
She emphasized that the program is meant solely for public benefit, not as a tool for campaign promotion.
“The sale of P20-per-kilogram rice is for the people, not for the candidates,” she added.
Program to Launch in Visayas, Expand Nationwide
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the program’s launch on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and 12 Visayas governors at the Cebu Provincial Capitol.
While the initiative will begin in select Visayan provinces, Castro confirmed that the administration plans to expand it nationwide in the long term.
“This is not just a goal, but an aspiration of our President,” she said, noting that logistical planning is underway and that sufficient funds will be allocated in 2025 to reduce reliance on local government support.
The Department of Agriculture is expected to issue detailed guidelines to streamline implementation and avoid operational setbacks.
Program Aims to Ease Burden of Soaring Rice Prices
The P20 rice initiative, one of President Marcos’ signature campaign promises, seeks to ease the economic burden on Filipinos struggling with high rice prices.
“We aim to allocate funds to ensure that this program successfully alleviates the difficulties in purchasing rice,” Castro said, reiterating the government’s commitment to addressing food affordability.