President Marcos said he would not let those involved in smuggling and hoarding rice get away with their illegal activities and that the government was already implementing measures against them.

Marcos said this as he led the distribution of rice to beneficiaries in the Dinagat Islands on Friday, Sept. 29.

In his speech, the President reiterated that the Philippines has no problem regarding the supply of rice but said smuggling and hoarding are making the price of the staple grain go up.

"Wala tayo sanang problema sa presyo ng bigas kung hindi dahil sa biglang pagtaas ng presyo ng bigas at dahil sa laganap na smuggling at saka hoarding (We won't have a problem with the price of rice but it suddenly shot up due to smuggling and hoarding)," he said.

According to the President, smugglers and hoarders are "manipulating" the market by illegally importing sacks of rice and keeping them until the price of the staple increases.

"Hindi naman talaga tama yun (That's not right)," he said.

"At ang manipulasyong ginagawa ng mga smuggler, mga hoarder, at iba pang nagsamantalang negosyante ang nakakasira sa ating kabuhayan (The manipulation done by smugglers, hoarders, and other businessmen who are taking advantage of the situation are ruining our livelihood)," he added.

Because of this, Marcos said he would not let those individuals pass.

"Iyan po talaga ang ikinabibigat ng loob ko at hindi ko kayang palampasin (That's what disheartens me and I cannot let them get away with it)," he said.

"Kaya naman po, gumawa tayo ng mga matitinding hakbang upang masugpo ang ilegal na gawaing ito (That's why we're undertaking extreme measures to end these illegal activities)," he added.

According to the President, among the measures they are implementing are constructing the necessary infrastructure and providing equipment to farmers. They are also distributing rice but said this is a temporary measure.

He, however, renewed his commitment to ensuring the country's rice supply while going after those engaged in illegal activities.