Senator Imee Marcos criticized the government’s continued reliance on imported rice for the “benteng bigas” program, despite the ongoing harvest season and the absence of any declared supply shortage.
Marcos argued that some officials appear more focused on profit than on protecting local farmers.
“Malinaw naman na walang shortage dahil wala pang idinedeklara ang DA,” she said.
She stressed that the program’s requirements remain within the country’s domestic production capacity.
“Kung ang programang benteng bigas ay 30kg/buwan kada bahay, 5.4MMT lang ‘yon sa isang taon, pasok pa rin sa lokal na produksyon na 20.3MMT! Maliwanag pa sa sikat ng araw na ginagawang sideline ng mga opisyal ang pagkakitaan ang pag-angkat ng bigas!” Marcos added.
The senator also criticized officials of Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI), accusing some of favoring importation to secure their positions instead of fulfilling the agency’s mandate.
“Kung may Trading Unit, bakit hindi direktang kinukuha ang ani ng ating mga magsasaka?” she asked.
Marcos further alleged that contract growing arrangements were being revived to justify continued rice importation.
“Anihan na, bakit pa mag-iimport? Babaratin na naman ba natin ang sarili nating mga magsasaka?” she said.
She concluded by urging government agencies to prioritize the welfare of Filipino farmers over opportunistic gains.
“Ang ating sariling kagawaran ay dapat tumulong sa mga magsasaka, hindi protektahan ang mga oportunistang kumikita sa kahirapan ng ating agrikultura,” Marcos declared.