The distribution of smuggled rice to qualified beneficiaries underwent the correct procedures amid the escalating prices of the said commodity in the Philippines, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Tuesday.

In a speech during the distribution of rice in Malate, Marcos said distributed rice underwent meticulous investigation, which serves as a stern warning to all smugglers and hoarders that the government will closely monitor the Philippines.

"This rice has undergone the proper process of investigation, confiscation, and inspection to ensure it is safe for distribution to those in need," Marcos said.

The President explained the modus operandi of smugglers and hoarders, highlighting their detrimental impact on the market and the people's livelihoods.

"They first smuggle rice into the country, and once it's here in the Philippines, they won't release it to the market, making it unavailable for purchase," he said. "They only release it when prices are high, so they can make a substantial profit."

This practice not only drives up prices but also leads to unnecessary hardship for the Filipino population.

Marcos Jr. emphasized that such actions are contrary to the government's goal of providing food security and improving the agriculture sector in the New Philippines.

The President also mentioned that the distribution of seized smuggled rice demonstrates the government's commitment to tackling rice price control.

Hence, he directed government agencies to ensure that rice policies were implemented.

"I instruct all officials, authorities, and agencies to enforce policies and laws regarding the issue of rice rigorously," Marcos said.

Marcos spearheaded the distribution of illicitly imported rice to approximately 1,000 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

The government gave every qualified recipient 25 kilograms of rice, sourced from a Zamboanga warehouse that government authorities had previously raided. The confiscated rice from this warehouse has an estimated value of P42 million.