Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro on Monday defended the government’s new rice program against criticisms from Vice President Sara Duterte, who said the initiative was three years too late, as it was a campaign promise of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

In a press briefing, Castro said providing aid is not time-bound, as it aims solely to help those in need.

“In politics, there is no timing when it comes to giving aid, especially to those on the fringes of society; the timing is not the issue here,” she said in Filipino.

She emphasized that the government acts as soon as possible to deliver assistance, and called out critics for undermining the program, which seeks to make rice more affordable.

Castro explained that the rice subsidy program took time to implement because it required coordination with Visayas governors and the approval of funds for subsidies.

“This was studied carefully; it wasn’t done haphazardly. It has to be done properly so the project can be sustainable,” she said.

The government will start selling rice at P20 per kilo on 1 May 2025, in Cebu City, and at Kadiwa stores the next day at the Bureau of Animal Industry on Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. Castro said the rice will be sourced from local farmers.

The administration said it is optimistic the program can be sustained until December and possibly be included in the 2026 national budget.

“It is seen to sustain us until December this year, and discussions are underway to include it in next year’s budget,” Castro said.