Comelec asks DA to delay P20/kg rice project until after elections

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has asked the Department of Agriculture (DA) to delay the PHP20 per kg rice project until after the May 12 elections.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia expressed concern that rolling out the program so close to election day could lead to accusations of political manipulation and urged the DA to temporarily halt the rollout until May 13.

The DA started a pilot test of the P20-per-kilo rice initiative in Cebu earlier on Thursday, but Comelec's ayuda ban will start from May 2 up to Election Day on May 12.

Garcia emphasized that while Comelec does not want to interfere with social services, the law prohibits the politicizing of state resources and violations can result in imprisonment for one to six years.

The poll body is waiting for a formal letter from the DA regarding the rollout plans and Garcia reminded that financial assistance from the government is banned during May 2-12, except for burial and medical aid, while Kadiwa stores are exempted from this ban.