MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Wednesday sharply criticized the Department of Agriculture’s plan to roll out ₱20-per-kilo rice in the Visayas, branding it a politically motivated ploy to boost the administration’s senatorial candidates ahead of the 2025 elections.
Speaking to reporters in an ambush interview, Duterte accused the Marcos administration of making false promises to the public, linking the rice subsidy program to vote-seeking efforts by allies of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
“Baka binubudol na naman nila ang mga tao sa ₱20 per kilo na bigas,” she said. “Promise na naman ‘yan na alam mong para lang sa eleksyon at sa kanilang mga senador.”
Duterte, without naming names, appeared to allude to Marcos’ campaign promise during the 2022 elections, where he floated the idea of bringing down rice prices to ₱20–₱30 per kilo—a commitment critics have since questioned for its feasibility.
“Alam niyang hindi kayanin pero pinaasa niya ang mga tao,” she added, directly calling the original pledge a lie.
Concerns on Rice Quality and Regional Rollout
The Vice President also raised concerns about the quality of rice to be sold under the program, warning that it might be fit only for animal feed.
“Ang ₱20 na bigas na binebenta ay ‘yung pinapakain sa baboy. Hindi hayop ang mga Pilipino,” she said. “If you’re going to sell rice at that price, it should be suitable for human consumption.”
Earlier that day, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. confirmed that the government would begin piloting the program in the Visayas, with plans for nationwide implementation. He said the Department of Agriculture (DA) has sufficient rice stocks to sell at the target price, capped at 10 kilos per person per week.
Tiu Laurel emphasized that the DA has been “working day and night” to meet the goal, aligning with President Marcos’ long-term vision for affordable staple food.
But Duterte questioned the regional focus of the rollout, suggesting it may be linked to electoral strategy.
“Baka may problema sila sa boto dito sa Visayas,” she said, adding that Mindanao deserves equal access to affordable rice.
No Response Yet from Malacañang
As of writing, Malacañang has not issued a statement responding to Duterte’s criticisms.
The clash underscores ongoing friction between the President and Vice President, despite their tandem win in 2022. It also casts fresh scrutiny on one of Marcos’ most ambitious promises—slashing rice prices—just as the campaign season heats up for Eleksyon 2025.