Distribution of confiscated rice underwent ‘right process’ – Marcos

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 25) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government adhered to due process in distributing seized smuggled rice to poor families.

In his speech in Manila on Tuesday, Marcos said the rice supply underwent the “right process” — from investigation, apprehension, to ensuring they are safe for public consumption.

The rice being distributed to qualified beneficiaries of the government's 4Ps conditional cash transfer program for the poor came from smuggled rice seized in Zamboanga City, Marcos said.

In September, customs authorities raided a warehouse where they confiscated ₱42 million worth of smuggled rice.

The chief executive said this would also serve as a warning to smugglers and hoarders that the current administration is monitoring any ill activities that could affect consumers and the agriculture sector.

Marcos said he directed all concerned government agencies to strengthen their measures against smuggling.

“Asahan po ninyo na hindi kami titigil sa patuloy na pagbuwag sa mga smuggler at hoarder na nagpapahirap sa taong bayan,” he told the beneficiaries in Manila.

[Translation: You can expect that we will not stop to end the operations of smugglers and hoarders who burden our countrymen.]