Manila, Philippines — Consumer watchdog Bantay Bigas on Thursday openly criticized the government’s rollout of the P20 per kilo rice pilot program in the Visayas, alleging it could be a strategic move to bolster President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s public image ahead of the midterm elections.
Cathy Estavillo, spokesperson for Bantay Bigas, pointed to the president’s recent double-digit drop in trust ratings, suggesting that the rice subsidy initiative could be aimed at reviving public confidence and influencing voter sentiment in favor of the administration’s senatorial candidates.
“His trust rating went down by two digits, and this move could help improve BBM’s image. That could translate into votes for his senatorial slate,” Estavillo said.
The Department of Agriculture (DA) confirmed that the P20 per kilo rice will be sold in selected areas in the Visayas starting next week. The initiative, a key campaign promise of President Marcos, is backed by a ₱3.5 billion to ₱4.5 billion subsidy, with the government absorbing the cost difference to make rice available at the targeted retail price.
While Malacañang insists the program is a long-planned response to food security concerns, critics see it as a politically timed effort. The Federation of Free Farmers Cooperative (FFF) acknowledged the affordability objective but raised concerns over the sustainability and economic soundness of the program.
FFF Chairperson Leonardo Montemayor argued that such a significant allocation of funds could be better used to boost domestic agricultural productivity and reduce long-term dependence on subsidies.
“It might be better to use a large part of this subsidy to strengthen the capacity of our farmers. That would provide a more sustainable solution,” Montemayor said.
In a televised statement, Malacañang clarified that the Visayas was selected for the pilot due to a higher regional demand for affordable rice and a larger NFA stockpile in the area. The Palace also dismissed any connection between the program’s rollout and the president’s declining approval ratings.
“This has been discussed long before the survey ratings came out. I was present during private meetings on this initiative,” said Presidential Assistant Jojo Castro, who also emphasized that both the Department of Agriculture and the National Food Authority were involved in the early planning stages.
The P20 rice program is set to gradually expand nationwide and is expected to continue through 2028, coinciding with the remainder of Marcos’ term in office.