PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. urged the Filipino people on Friday to join with the government’s fight against rice smugglers and hoarders who are destroying the flow of supply and demand of the staple food in the market.
In his speech during the rice distribution at the Augusto Legaspi Memorial Sports and Cultural Center in Kalibo, Aklan, President Marcos said that the government needs the help of the Filipino people to safeguard the country’s staple food against erring individuals.
“Nais ko na rin pong gamitin ang pagkakataong ito upang [hikayatin] kayo na makiisa sa pagbabantay laban sa smuggling at sa hoarding at mga sindikatong patuloy na namamayagpag sa pagsasamantala sa taumbayan,” President Marcos said.
“Tulungan po ninyo ang ating mga ahensya sa pagmamatyag upang mahuli at mapatawan ng angkop na parusa ang mga sumasabotahe sa sektor ng agrikultura at sa ating ekonomiya,” the President added.
President Marcos ordered the filing of cases against San Pedro Warehouse and Blue Sakura Agri Grain Corporation, F.S. Ostia Rice Mill, and Gold Rice Mill for violating the provisions of Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, Rice Tariffication Law, and Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, or Republic Act No. 10845.
The chief executive said that all seized smuggled rice were distributed to Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) after importers failed to defend the legality of their importation.
“Sa Bagong Pilipinas na ating binubuo, hindi po tayo titigil hanggang [hindi] nabubuwag ang lahat ng mga sindikatong ito—at hanggang hindi
maibalik sa normal [at] mababang presyo ng ating mga bilihin,” President Marcos said.
“Bilang pang-wakas, sa ating pagdadamayan at tiwala sa isa’t-isa, tiyak na magtatagumpay tayo sa pagkamit ng Masagana, panatag, at matatag na buhay para sa lahat ng mga Pilipino. Wala nang gutom, walang maghihikahos, at wala ring maiiwan sa pagsalubong sa maliwanag na bukas,” he added.
Kalibo, Aklan is already the 11th location where President Marcos led the rice distribution to 4Ps beneficiaries in the country.
President Marcos distributed rice to 4Ps beneficiaries in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Brgy. San Roque, Zamboanga City on September 19; Brgy. Santiago, General Trias, Cavite on Sept. 22; Iriga City, Camarines Sur on Sept. 23; and San Andres Sports Complex, San Andres Manila on Sept. 26.
The chief executive also distributed sacks of rice at the Dapa Municipal Gymnasium, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte and Provincial Capitol, San Jose, Dinagat Islands on Sept. 29; and Taguig City University Gymnasium, Gen. Santos Avenue, Lower Bicutan, Taguig on Oct. 4.
Earlier today, President Marcos led the rice distribution in Roxas City, Capiz, and in Antique.
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