Comelec: NFA can sell rice to LGUs without exemption, but LGUs need exemption for subsidies or reselling

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that the National Food Authority (NFA) does not need an exemption from the election spending ban to sell rice to local government units (LGUs) amid a food security emergency.

However, Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that LGUs must request an exemption if they plan to use NFA-sold rice for subsidies or resell it at a subsidized rate as these actions are considered social services under the ban.

The poll body emphasized in its response to the Department of Agriculture (DA) that selling rice by the NFA to LGUs does not fall within the prohibition on social welfare projects during election periods.

Under Comelec Resolution No. 11060, a certificate of exemption is required for implementing social welfare projects and services during the public spending ban from March 28 to May 11, 15 days before and after the elections.

DA spokesperson Arnel de Mesa clarified that LGUs must sell NFA rice at no less than PHP33 per kilogram and cannot give it away for free under Comelec conditions.

The DA's NFA rice sale through the Food Terminal Incorporated aims to offer affordable rice to Filipinos, while freeing up spaces in NFA warehouses for ongoing palay procurement nationwide.