AKLAN – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued a plea to the Filipino citizens, urging them to join the government’s efforts to combat rice smugglers and hoarders, whose actions disrupt the supply and demand dynamics of this essential staple in the market.
During his address at the rice distribution event held at the Augusto Legaspi Memorial Sports and Cultural Center in Kalibo, Aklan, President Marcos emphasized the necessity for public collaboration in safeguarding the country’s staple food supply against unscrupulous individuals.
“I also want to take this opportunity to encourage you to join in monitoring and combating smuggling, hoarding, and syndicates that continue to take advantage of our people,” President Marcos stated.
He further urged citizens to support government agencies in surveillance efforts to apprehend and duly penalize those who undermine the agricultural sector and the nation’s economy.
In response to these directives, President Marcos authorized legal action against several entities, including San Pedro Warehouse and Blue Sakura Agri Grain Corporation, F.S. Ostia Rice Mill, and Gold Rice Mill. These entities were found to be in violation of the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Rice Tariffication Law, and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 (Republic Act No. 10845).
President Marcos revealed that all confiscated smuggled rice had been distributed to beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). This distribution took place after importers failed to substantiate the legality of their importation.
“In building the New Philippines, we will not cease until we dismantle all these syndicates and return our prices to normal levels,” President Marcos affirmed.
“As a final note, with our solidarity and trust in each other, we will undoubtedly succeed in achieving a prosperous, secure, and resilient life for all Filipinos. Hunger will be eradicated, poverty will be alleviated, and no one will be left behind as we embrace a brighter future,” he added.
Kalibo, Aklan marked the 11th location where President Marcos led the rice distribution to 4Ps beneficiaries across the nation. Prior distributions took place in various locations, including Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, General Trias, Cavite, Iriga City, Camarines Sur, San Andres, Manila, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands, and Taguig City.
Earlier today, President Marcos conducted rice distribution events in Roxas City, Capiz, and in Antique. (Presidential News Desk)
