MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the Marcos administration’s P20 per kilo rice initiative, calling it a “campaign promise” that’s being implemented “too little, too late” ahead of the 2025 elections.
Speaking in an ambush interview in Tondo, Manila on Thursday night, Duterte said the rollout—set to begin in the Visayas—was timed to boost the standing of administration-backed senatorial candidates.
“It’s not criticism. I’m just telling the truth,” Duterte said. “That was a campaign promise. They’re implementing it only now, during election season.”
She added that the program’s pilot implementation in the Visayas—where Marcos’ allies are polling low—raises further questions about its motive.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the program, which will limit rice purchases to 10 kilograms per person per week. He added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. envisions nationwide implementation in the long run.
Duterte warned the public to remain cautious about such campaign-linked promises. She also raised concerns that rice sold at such a low price might not meet consumption standards.
“This is again fooling the people. Are we going to eat rice fit for animals?” she said.
Malacañang swiftly responded, saying the initiative has long been part of President Marcos’ vision. And is not just a political maneuver.