Malacañang vowed to go after rice traders using the government’s P20 per kilo rice program to justify buying palay at unreasonably low prices, saying the act could be considered economic sabotage.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said this following reports that some traders have been taking advantage of farmers by claiming that the expansion of President Marcos’ “Benteng Bigas, Meron Na!” program is a valid reason to lower their farmgate offers.

In a press briefing, Castro stressed that the government would not tolerate such abuse and urged farmers to report exploitative practices to the proper authorities, such as the Department of Agriculture (DA), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

“Ang panawagan po ng pamahalaan, ang mga farmers na nakararanas ng ganitong klaseng pagtrato ng mga traders, sabihin lamang po sa amin (The government is calling on farmers who are being treated this way to report to us),” she said on Thursday, July 3.

The Palace official encouraged farmers to provide as much evidence as possible to support future complaints and charges against unscrupulous traders.

“Maaari po kasi itong maging kaso ng economic sabotage kaya huwag po kayo mag-atubili na magsumbong sa amin (This could constitute economic sabotage, so don’t hesitate to report them),” she added.

Castro reiterated that the farmgate price of palay remains protected despite the expansion of the P20 rice initiative. Agriculture officials earlier clarified that the National Food Authority (NFA) continues to procure palay at prices between P18 and P23 per kilo, depending on grain moisture and quality.

President Marcos has ordered the DA and local government units to ensure the “Benteng Bigas” program does not harm farmers' income. Rather, it aims to create direct market access for producers by eliminating unnecessary middlemen and reducing post-harvest losses.

He likewise directed government agencies to expand the coverage further and strengthen the program to make rice accessible to poor families. The DA was ordered to continue coordinating with LGUs to sell the P20 per kilo rice in more outlets and public markets.

The President also instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to provide a list of areas where more members of vulnerable sectors can benefit from the Benteng Bigas program. Meanwhile, the DILG ordered to monitor the program’s implementation through accomplishment reports.

At the same time, President Marcos assured farmers that the National Food Authority (NFA) will continue to buy their palay at a viable price to sustain production while maintaining the Benteng Bigas program.

Marcos launched the 94th outlet of the Benteng Bigas Meron Na program at the Zapote-Bacoor Public Market in Bacoor City, Cavite.