Marcos vows to distribute confiscated rice until zero smugglers in country
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 29) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday vowed to continue the distribution of confiscated rice to Filipinos until smugglers and hoarders are wiped out.
"Kaya't ito ay pansamantala dahil nakikita natin, talaga siyempre ang ambisyon natin na wala ng ganyan, na matapos na 'yung ganyan, para 'yung presyo nga naman ng bigas ay hindi 'yung biglang umaakyat at hindi natin malaman kung saan nanggagaling," Marcos said as he led the rice distribution in San Jose, Dinagat Islands.
[Translation: This is just temporary because we're really seeing the ambition of soon having no smugglers. So that we can end the sudden price increase in rice.]
"Ngunit, sa kabilang panig naman ay kailangan din natin bantayan itong mga smuggler, itong mga hoarder dahil sinisira talaga nila ang kabuhayan ng tao, lalong lalo na 'yung mga pinakamahihirap at pinaka-nangangailangan na tulong ng mga Pilipino," he added.
[Translation: On the other hand, we should watch these smugglers and hoarders because they destroy people's livelihood, most especially the poorest and neediest Filipinos.]
Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in Siargao and Dinagat islands received the 42,180 sacks of rice worth P42 million smuggled in Zamboanga, the Department of Social Welfare and Development announced.
READ:
Distribution of confiscated rice underwent 'right process' Marcos
