Marcos Defends ₱20 Rice Program: 'Watch Me Sustain It'

The Philippines' ₱20/kg Rice Program: A 'Popularity Stunt' or a Viable Solution? President Bongbong Marcos recently addressed criticisms of the government's ambitious ₱20/kg rice program, dismissing them as premature. He challenged critics to wait until May 2028 to assess the program's long-term success. "Watch me sustain it, and then we'll talk in May of 2028," he stated. The program, launched before the 2025 elections, requires a substantial ₱5 billion in subsidies, according to the Department of Agriculture, to maintain affordable rice prices for up to six million Filipinos. However, questions remain about the program's long-term sustainability and the timing of its implementation. Adding complexity to the issue are recent Pulse Asia survey results showing President Marcos' approval ratings significantly lower than those of former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte. This raises questions about the political implications of the program's success or failure. Despite the criticism, President Marcos remains committed to the program, emphasizing the need for a fair assessment of its long-term impact.