Marcos P20/kilo rice program to launch in Visayas next week

Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates defended the timing of President Marcos' P20 per kilo rice program, which will be implemented in the Visayas starting next week.

Former Senate president Vicente "Tito" Sotto III stated that it is "better late than never" and suggested that the administration might have needed time to figure out the program's implementation.

Sotto dismissed claims that the program's timing is politically motivated, emphasizing that criticisms arise regardless of when initiatives are launched and that the important thing is doing what is right.

Makati Mayor Abby Binay argued that the program's implementation within three years of the administration's term should be viewed as an accomplishment, not a political maneuver.

Binay clarified that the Visayas was chosen as the pilot area due to the region's needs, and highlighted that the program is feasible due to government subsidies amidst various challenges.

Vice President Sara Duterte's earlier statement calling the program "too little, too late" was deemed uncalled for by the senatorial bets.