MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Thursday pushed back against Vice President Sara Duterte’s criticism of the government’s plan to sell rice at ₱20 per kilo, accusing her of promoting divisiveness amid efforts to ease the burden on Filipino consumers.
“Let’s not resort to crab mentality,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during a press briefing, responding to Duterte’s remarks.
P20 Rice Pilot Launching in Visayas
The controversial initiative was announced by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who confirmed that the program would begin as a pilot project in the Visayas.
According to Laurel, the program is part of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s long-term vision to make affordable rice accessible nationwide. The administration has repeatedly pledged to lower rice prices as part of its food security agenda.
VP Duterte: Program is Politically Motivated
Vice President Duterte, however, questioned the timing and intent behind the move. She suggested that the program was designed to boost the administration’s senatorial slate ahead of the 2025 elections, rather than provide genuine economic relief.
“This is another attempt to fool the public,” Duterte said, calling the promise of ₱20 rice an election ploy.
Palace: Don’t Link Program to Survey Ratings
Castro also dismissed any suggestion that the rollout of the rice program was a response to President Marcos’ recent dip in trust and performance ratings, as reflected in a March survey.
“This is part of a broader vision, not a reaction to survey results,” she clarified.
The ₱20 per kilo rice promise was one of President Marcos’ signature campaign pledges in 2022. Its feasibility has since been widely debated among economists and agricultural stakeholders, particularly given fluctuating global grain prices and supply challenges.
As the pilot begins, public and political scrutiny over its sustainability and implementation is expected to intensify, especially in the lead-up to the 2025 midterm elections.