Sara Duterte criticizes P20 per kilo rice plan as election stunt

Vice President Sara Duterte criticized the Department of Agriculture's plan to sell rice at P20 per kilo in Visayas, calling it a campaign promise aimed at boosting the Marcos administration's senatorial candidates.

Duterte questioned why the initiative was implemented near election time and suggested that it may be an attempt to secure votes in Visayas rather than addressing national needs.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced the pilot sale of P20 per kilo rice in Visayas, with plans to expand nationwide, aiming for long-term implementation across the country.

Laurel defended the quality of the rice being sold, stating that it is not fit only for animal feed and assured that the program will support Filipino farmers.

During an interview on Thursday night, Duterte stated that the P20 per kilo rice initiative was a campaign promise that is 'too little, too late' and aimed at bolstering Marcos’ senatorial candidates in Visayas where their numbers are low.

Malacañang dismissed criticisms as crab mentality while the DA promised to ensure the quality of rice sold under the program.