The Department of Agriculture (DA) clarified Wednesday that local government units (LGUs) may continue selling National Food Authority (NFA) rice under a declared food security emergency.

This follows the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ruling that the DA and NFA do not need a spending ban exemption for NFA rice sales to LGUs, as it is not classified as a social service. The public spending ban for social welfare projects is in effect from March 28 to May 11 under Comelec Resolution No. 11060.

DA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said LGUs must sell NFA rice at no less than PHP33 per kilogram and cannot distribute it for free, per Comelec guidelines. However, LGUs intending to use the rice for subsidized resale or aid distribution must secure an exemption.

The DA’s NFA rice sale through the Food Terminal Incorporated aims to provide affordable rice at PHP33 to PHP35 per kilogram while freeing up NFA warehouse space for ongoing palay procurement. LGUs such as San Juan, Navotas, and Camarines Sur have already procured NFA rice.

Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia assured that government services would not be disrupted while ensuring compliance with election laws. He emphasized that the rice sale must not be used for partisan political activity. LGUs must secure prior Comelec authorization before purchasing NFA rice under the exemptions outlined in the Omnibus Election Code.