Alyansa bets defend P20/kg rice rollout
SENATORIAL bets under the administration’s Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas defended the government’s P20 per kilogram rice program, rejecting claims that its rollout is timed for political gain ahead of the 2025 midterm elections on May 12.
During a press conference in Dagupan City for their grand campaign rally on April 25, former Senate president Vicente “Tito” Sotto III dismissed the criticism, saying any government action close to an election will inevitably be politicized.
“Whatever the timing, people will always link it to politics,” he said. “You can’t please everyone. What matters is doing what’s right, whether there’s an election or not.”
First-time senatorial bet Abigail Binay, who is concluding her maximum term as mayor of Makati City, echoed the sentiment, saying delaying assistance for fear of criticism is irresponsible.
“Do we tell people to wait until after the election for affordable rice just to avoid accusations?” she said. “If the government can provide now, it should. Timing shouldn’t get in the way of service.
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson offered a blunt take: “When you’re helping the poor and hungry, there’s no such thing as ‘too little’ or ‘too late.’ Hunger and poverty aren’t political.”
Former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos emphasized that the P20/kg rice initiative was a longstanding priority for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., not a last-minute gimmick.
“The President has always wanted this. Now that it’s being implemented, critics say it’s political. It’s just a coincidence in timing.”
ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, who previously served as social welfare secretary, said the program is long overdue and called for reforms to make it sustainable. He specifically urged a review of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL), which he said weakened the National Food Authority’s ability to sell affordable rice directly to the public.
Also running under the Alyansa slate are Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Pia Cayetano, Lito Lapid, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, and House Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.
Their campaign rally at the Stadia in Dagupan was jam-packed with local political figures and supporters. (Eva Visperas)
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