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Governor Gwendolyn Garcia finds herself in a pickle as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) slaps a conditional exemption on the P20-per-kilo rice program across the entire Province of Cebu, while maintaining a firm stance against any political strings attached. At a press conference held at the Cebu Provincial Capitol on Saturday, May 3, 2025- two days before the official launch of the program on May 1 - Garcia expressed her desire to receive unambiguous guidance from Comelec regarding the rice subsidy program.

The conditionally exempted rice scheme will run from May 1 to May 12, coinciding with the upcoming national and local elections.

Despite scoring an exemption for Cebu Province from the election ban due to the "Sugbo Mercadong Barato" initiative, Garcia still needs a firm stance from Comelec to negotiate the rice subsidy program. "I'm hoping that I can get a definitive position from the Comelec," stated Garcia.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia previously declared that any form of financial assistance (or "ayuda") is forbidden during the election period from May 2 to May 12, with the exceptions of medical and burial assistance. Sugbo Mercadong Barato, however, was not mentioned in the exemption list.

Capitol consultant Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda weighed in, stating that the program will be postponed momentarily while they await clearance from Comelec. "The term is not to discontinue, but only while we are checking on it. We have to be clear about it," Sepulveda said.

Local officials have agreed that Cebu Province may reinstate the P20/kilo rice sales after the May 13 elections.

Meanwhile, the KnP20 program by the Department of Agriculture, which promises the sale of rice at P20 per kilo, could potentially save the day as per President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s announcement.

[1] Moreno, M. (2025, May 3). Cebu governor seeks clarification from Comelec on P20-rice program before May 1 launch. Malaya Business Insight.[2] Ocon, M. S. G. (2025, May 3). No buying, selling of P20 rice in Cebu 'until further notice', camp of Gov. Gwen Garcia says. Manila Bulletin.[3] Yap, A. M. (2025, May 2). Comelec reminds LGUs: hold off on releasing financial aid until after elections. CNN Philippines.[4] Retana, L. (2025, May 3). Rice scheme exemption: DA gets nod from Comelec, but LGUs must still apply. ABS-CBN News.[5] Betia, J. P. (2025, May 2). LGUs warned: No politics in rice subsidy distribution. Inquirer.net.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia aims for a clear stance from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) regarding the rice subsidy program, set to launch on May 1, amid the conditional exemption for the P20-per-kilo rice program in Cebu Province, which coincides with the upcoming national and local elections.
Despite obtaining an exemption for the Sugbo Mercadong Barato initiative from the election ban, Governor Garcia still needs Comelec's approval to proceed with the rice subsidy program.
Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia previously stated that financial assistance, except medical and burial aid, is prohibited during the election period from May 2 to May 12, and the Sugbo Mercadong Barato was not listed in the exemption.
Awaiting clearance from Comelec, the P20/kilo rice sales in Cebu Province will be postponed momentarily, as per Capitol consultant Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda.
With the upcoming May 13 elections, local officials have agreed that Cebu Province may reinstate the P20-per-kilo rice sales after the elections, while the KnP20 program by the Department of Agriculture may potentially salvage the situation, as announced by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.