Farmers’ groups Kilusang Mambubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Amihan National Federation of Peasant Women criticized the postponement of the ₱20/kilo rice program, calling it “unsustainable” and a “grand deception.”
The Department of Agriculture moved the rollout of the “Bente Bigas Mo” program to May 13, citing the 10-day government spending ban due to the election period. But the groups said this delay only proves the program was never viable to begin with.
“Simula’t sapul, malinaw na propaganda at panloloko ang Bente Bigas Mo. Ang postponement nito ay pruweba na walang kakayahan at walang intensyon ang gobyernong Marcos Jr. na ibaba talaga ang presyo ng bigas. Hindi ito solusyon, kundi panlilinlang habang patuloy ang pagkalam ng sikmura ng mamamayan,” said KMP chairperson Danilo Ramos, who is running for senator under the Makabayan coalition.
They argue that the program is doomed due to the Rice Liberalization Law, which removed import restrictions and replaced them with tariffs—resulting in lower palay prices for farmers but no significant relief for consumers.
“Hindi ‘Bente Bigas Mo,’ kundi Bente Milyong Pilipinong Nagugutom ang realidad. Tama na ang panloloko. Ibalik ang suporta sa lokal na produksyon ng bigas, hindi importasyon,” said Amihan secretary-general Cathy Estavillo.
Both groups are calling for the repeal of the Rice Liberalization Law and a shift toward genuine agrarian reform and support for local rice production.