Marcos: Distribution of smuggled rice to beneficiaries went through right process

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Tuesday ensured that the distribution of smuggled rice to qualified beneficiaries underwent the right process.

Marcos made the remark during the distribution of the sacks of rice to beneficiaries in the City of Manila.

“Dumaan po ito sa tamang proseso ng imbestigasyon, pagkumpiska at inspeksyon upang matiyak na ito ay ligtas na ipamahagi sa mga nangangailangan,” Marcos said in his speech.

(This was subjected to the right process of investigation, seizure and inspection to ensure the safe distribution of rice to those in need.)

“Magsisilbing babala rin po ito sa lahat ng mga smuggler at mga hoarder na ang bigas sa bansa ay ating babantayan,” the President added.

(This should serve as a warning to smugglers and hoarders that the government would guard the country’s rice supply.)

Marcos reiterated his instruction to concerned government agencies to heighten all measures that are related to ensuring the country’s rice supply.

“Kaya inaatasan ko ang lahat ng mga opisyal, mga awtoridad at mga ahensya na higpitan nang husto ang pagpapatupad ng polisiya at batas hinggil sa isyu ng bigas,” Marcos said.

(I have instructed all concerned officials, authorities, and agencies to strictly enforce policies and laws that are related to rice issues.)

Marcos has since blamed hoarders and smugglers as behind the surge in the prices of agricultural products, including rice. 

The President, however, admitted that combatting hoarders and smugglers would be difficult since they have been plaguing the agriculture sector for a long time.

Still, Marcos said he is determined to combat their illegal operations.

"Alam ko pong magiging mahirap ang labang ito dahil matagal na silang namamayagpag sa kalakaran, ngunit desidido po ako na ang buong puwersa ng pamahalaan na matigil na ang mga ilegal na operasyong ito," Marcos said.

(I know that this will be difficult because they have been there for a long time. But I am determined to eradicate their operations.)

The sacks of rice which were distributed came from the smuggled rice worth P42 million that was seized by the Bureau of Customs during its warehouse raid in Zamboanga City last September. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News