Malacañang has clarified the issue regarding the sale of P20 per kilo rice in disaster-hit areas. Some netizens are asking why the rice was not just distributed free to the victims.
According to Communications Usec. Claire Castro, the NFA's mandate is clear — it is to sell rice, not give it away. The law prohibits giving away NFA supplies for free.
He added that there are other government agencies tasked with providing assistance, such as DSWD, DPWH, and DHSUD, which are providing cash assistance and relief goods to the victims.
In this regard, the Office of the President released ₱158.3 million cash aid for several LGUs in Davao Oriental following the damage caused by last week's strong earthquakes.
Despite the criticism, Malacañang insisted that each agency has its own duties and that the NFA is only following the law in selling cheap rice.
