Palace Urges Public to Report Irregularities in Rice Aid Distribution

Malacañang on Tuesday warned local officials against charging beneficiaries for government rice assistance and urged the public to report any irregularities, including the distribution of underweight rice sacks. At a Palace press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said rice assistance distributed under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) should reach beneficiaries free of charge. “Doon sa mga nakakatanggap po ng bigas, alam natin may nagreklamo noong nakaraang linggo na kulang sa kilo. Kapag po may ganyan na nangyari, ipagbigay-alam ninyo lang po sa amin dahil kami po mismo ang magko-call out, sisita sa mga ganitong klaseng pananamantala,” she said. (We received complaints last week that some rice sacks were underweight. If that happens, please report it to us so we can call out and address such abuses.) Castro also cited complaints received last week alleging that some rice sacks weighed less than the promised amount, while reminding beneficiaries that government assistance is free and that no one should ask them for payment. “Kapag kayo po ay sinabihan na kailangang magbayad kayo para makatanggap ng ayuda mula sa pamahalaan, wala pong bayad ni singko, so huwag po kayo magpapaloko,” she said. (If anyone tells you that you have to pay to receive government assistance, don't believe them. Government aid is completely free.) She encouraged the public to immediately report any suspected irregularities so authorities could take prompt action. Castro also noted that Naga City Mayor Leni Robredo had observed that the LGSF rice distribution was carried out regardless of political affiliation. “Nakita rin po natin ang mga pagbibigay ng mga bigas… Ito po ay nabanggit din ni Mayor Leni Robredo ng Naga City na siya mismo ang nakakita at isa siya sa mga testigo na magsasabi na ang LGSF ay pangkalahatan—walang pinipiling kulay, walang pinipiling bayan, walang pinipiling lugar. (We have witnessed the distribution of rice. Mayor Leni Robredo herself said she witnessed that the LGSF benefits everyone regardless of political affiliation, municipality, or location.) "Lahat po ng barangays, lahat po ng local government units ay mabibiyayaan po ng LGSF,” Castro said. (All barangays and local government units are covered.) Castro urged beneficiaries to verify with their local officials the rice allocations intended for their communities. — MCG, GMA News