Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay on Thursday defended the pilot rollout of the P20-Rice Program in the Visayas, asserting that the decision was driven by necessity, not politics.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Proclamation Rally of the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas administration-backed senatorial slate in Dagupan City, Binay addressed criticism that the program was timed and placed for political gain.

“Would you tell people, ‘We’ll give you cheap rice only after the elections because otherwise they’ll say it’s political?’ That’s not how government should work. If you can give it now, then give it now. You can’t say, ‘I’ll wait for better timing,’” she said.

Binay said the program aims to help indigent families struggling with high food prices while supporting farmers affected by falling rice prices in the global market.

“The government is already helping, and yet it’s still being criticized. Where do we draw the line? It’s a difficult position to be in,” she added.

She emphasized that the rollout in Visayas was not politically calculated, noting that if it were, Mindanao — which delivered strong support for the President — would have been prioritized.

“I don’t think the President or the administration made the choice based on where they are weak or strong. I believe the judgment was based on who really needed help, and that’s why those areas were chosen,” Binay said.