Government officials involved in rice smuggling will face charges, Malacañang said Tuesday, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s revelation that some officials are profiting from illegal rice importation.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said an investigation is underway. “Marami pong paiimbestigahan ang Pangulo… that’s what he promised,” she said. (“The President will have many investigated… that’s his promise.”)
Castro added that once allegations are verified, cases will be filed. “The President won’t turn his back on this. If proven, charges must be filed,” she said.
While she did not name any officials, Castro clarified that Marcos had only said the perpetrators were from government, not necessarily the executive branch. “If they were from the executive, they would likely have been removed already,” she noted.
The Palace also said Mr. Marcos supports restoring the National Food Authority’s regulatory powers, citing its importance in curbing smuggling. The President remains confident in the sustainability of the P20-per-kilo rice program, backed by reforms and high rice output.
