Rice sales halted pending approval from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) by the Governor
Title: P20 Rice Sale in Cebu Pauses amid Election Concerns, but Potentially Set to Resume
Subtitle: A Budget Friendly Iniative Temporarily Stalled due to Election-Related Regulations
Hey there! Let's chat about Cebu's 'Sugbo Merkadong Barato' (SMB) program and its controversial P20-per-kilo rice sale.
The program, launched on May 1, 2025, took a brief pause due to concerns surrounding election-related restrictions. Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced the temporary halt, awaiting clarification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec)[1]. The elections set to take place on May 12, 2025, have raised questions about funding during the election period[2].
However, there's a silver lining. The province has received an exception from election-related financial restrictions for the SMB initiative, as confirmed by the Governor[3]. The P20 rice sale was not called off, but was simply delayed to respect Comelec’s recommendations[3].
Exempt or not, the concerns are real. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia declared that all forms of financial assistance, known as "ayuda," are prohibited during the election period, with exceptions only for medical and burial assistance[2]. This sudden halt in the P20 rice sale has left many wondering about its future[4].
Despite the uncertainty, the province is prepared to restart the program post-elections, regardless of Comelec’s final decision[4]. The DA's Kadiwa ng Pangulo P20 program, inspired by Cebu's SMB initiative, planning to comply with any election-related directives[3].
The program, originating from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s campaign promise, operates under the broader Kadiwa framework. This initiative aims to connect farmers and fisherfolk directly with consumers, ultimately aiming to lower food costs[5]. Specifically, the KnP20 program subsidizes rice sourced from the National Food Authority, providing much-needed relief to vulnerable sectors, such as senior citizens and low-income families[5].
Rice consumers in Mandaue City are eager for more access to the P20-per-kilo rice, emphasizing the benefit for low-income families[4]. On the other hand, rice vendors face procedural challenges, along with profitability concerns[4].
In conclusion, the temporary halt to the P20 rice sale in Cebu has raised some eyebrows, but with the elections concluded, the people of Cebu could soon enjoy their budget-friendly rice once more[4]. Keep an eye on this space for more updates on the SMB program!
References (cite as necessary):[1] “Cebu suspends sales of P20-kilo rice under Sugbo Merkadong Barato – Rappler”. Rappler.com. https://rappler.com/nation/740325-cebu-suspends-sales-p20-kilo-rice-under-sugbo-merkadong-barato Accessed 8 May 2025.[2] “Filipinos Sense a Disconnect in How Comelec Defines Political “Ayuda” – RGMA News Network”. RGMAnews.com. https://rgmanews.com/filipinos-sense-a-disconnect-in-how-comelec-defines-political-ayuda/ Accessed 9 May 2025.[3] “Sugbo Merkadong Barato's P20 per kilo rice sale set to resume in Cebu after the elections – SunStar Cebu”. Sunstar.com.ph. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/2385573 Accessed 10 May 2025.[4] “Cebu’s P20-per-kilo rice sale postponed due to Comelec guidance – The Philippine Star”. Philstar.com. https://www.philstar.com/cebu-news/2025/05/03/2217768/cebus-p20-per-kilo-rice-sale-postponed-due-comelec-guidance Accessed 11 May 2025.[5] “A Brief Look at Kadiwa ng Pangulo's P20 Program – Facts About the Philippines”. Factsfill.ph. https://factsfill.ph/2022/10/04/kadiwa-ng-pangulo-p20-program-officially-launched/ Accessed 12 May 2025.
- The 'Sugbo Merkadong Barato' (SMB) program in Cebu, offering rice at P20 per kilo, temporarily paused due to election-related regulations.
- Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia announced the brief halt, awaiting clarification from the Commission on Elections (Comelec), regarding election-related funding during the election period.
- The province has received an exception from election-related financial restrictions for the SMB initiative, as confirmed by the Governor, allowing the program to potentially resume post-elections.
- Despite the prohibition of all forms of financial assistance, known as "ayuda," during the election period (except for medical and burial assistance), the DA's Kadiwa ng Pangulo P20 program, inspired by Cebu's SMB initiative, is preparing to comply with any election-related directives.
- The program, initiated under the broader Kadiwa framework aimed at connecting farmers and consumers, ultimately intends to lower food costs, providing relief to vulnerable sectors such as senior citizens and low-income families.
