A lawmaker on Tuesday said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision to distribute the confiscated smuggled and hoarded rice to poor families is the "best deterrent" against smuggling.

Bulacan Sixth District Representative Salvador Pleyto — a member of the House Agriculture and Food Committee – lauded the President's decision as it would mean that "confiscated smuggled rice can no longer be rescued by bribes."

The latest action taken by the President took effect in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay where confiscated rice was distributed to the residents and the local government units in the province.

"By giving them to the people, it has been placed beyond the reach of those who have illegally brought them in," Pleyto said. "The President's action sent the strong signal that there should be no revolving door for smuggled rice in the government."

Earlier, Marcos assured the public that his administration is working tirelessly to end smuggling activities which was hurting the agricultural sector of the country as he already instructed the Bureau of Customs to run after smugglers and bust their illegal operations.

He also commended the BoC for their recent seizure of 42,180 bags of imported rice worth P42 million at a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City on 15 September 2023.

The President maintained that the government is following laws when confiscating smuggled items, giving them a 15-day notice to hear their side of the story.