Supplier of Underweight Rice Sacks Blacklisted by Mandaluyong LGU

The Mandaluyong City government has blacklisted the supplier of underweight rice sacks distributed to the public, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said Monday. Castro added that an additional sack of rice will be given to beneficiaries who received sacks less than 10 kilograms. She issued the remark when asked about the incident where some beneficiaries received 8 kilograms of rice instead of 10 kilograms. “Inacknowledge po ito ng supplier at sila po ang nagkaroon ng pagkakamali dito. At humingi na raw po sila ng paumanhin sa Mandaluyong LGU,” she said. (The supplier acknowledged the mistake and admitted that the error was on their part. They have also reportedly apologized to the Mandaluyong LGU.) “Ang pangako ay papalitan ng buo na 10kg ang… nakakuha ng 8kg. Bibigyan ng additional na 10kg na bigas at hindi na babawiin ang unang naibigay na 8kg lang,” Castro added. (The supplier has committed to replacing the full 10kg. Those who received only 8kg will be given an additional 10kg of rice, and the initial 8kg they received will no longer be taken back.) She further said the local government has conducted an investigation into the incident. She said 29,500 sacks of rice weighing 10kg were distributed during the Bawat Bayan Makikinabang Program. However, approximately 50 sacks were missing 2 kg “Hindi po ito nanaisin ng Pangulo. Kung ano ang dapat ibigay sa taong bayan, dapat ibigay,” she said. (The President will not tolerate this. Whatever is due to the people should be given to them.)—AOL, GMA News This incident highlights concerns about the integrity of food distribution in government poverty alleviation programs. Amidst rising prices, government food aid is a crucial lifeline for many households in the Philippines. Such issues raise questions about the transparency and efficiency of aid systems, ensuring that relief goods reach those who truly need them accurately.