NFA cracks down on diversion of subsidized rice

MANILA, Philippines — The National Food Authority (NFA) is now cracking down on the reported diversion of subsidized rice by stores authorized to sell the commodity. NFA spokesman Rex Estoperez said there will be no more warning for owners of stores found "diverting" or selling the subsidized rice. "Ang binabantayan natin ang tindahan na makaka-access diyan ang family access cards, natututo na rin mag-divert (We are now watching stores reported to be selling supposedly subsidized rice)," he said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said the government is selling subsidized rice to poor families with family access cards, at P18.25 per kilo. Citing their price monitoring, Estoperez said commercial rice is now being sold at P28 to P29 per kilo. Estoperez indicated there will be no more "warning," and that erring stores will be sanctioned immediately under this one-strike policy. On the other hand, he reassured consumers the NFA has enough rice supply, and urged them to report violations and those spreading claims that there may not be enough rice supply. The NFA hotline is 0917-6210927, he said. - GMANews.TV