PNP defends cut in rice subsidy

MANILA, Philippines — There is nothing irregular in the allocation of P1.69 billion in rice subsidy for personnel of the Philippine National Police.

The PNP made the statement yesterday in response to social media posts accusing the organization of reducing the rice allowance for police officers by P50.

The PNP said the government has allocated P1.69 billion for the program, based on Special Provision 9 of the General Appropriations Act.

Under the program, PNP personnel are entitled to 20 kilos of rice or equivalent to P650 every month.

While the previous directive for 2023 set the rice subsidy at P700, the PNP said the newly approved Fiscal Directive No. 2024-03 changed the subsidy to P650 per month.

The PNP said the P100 disbursed to each personnel for January and February would be adjusted with a P50 collection from May to June.

The move will reconcile the price adjustments made in the rice subsidy, the PNP said.

“We appreciate the understanding and cooperation of PNP personnel as we work to ensure the proper implementation of the rice subsidy program in accordance with the approved fiscal directives,” the police force said.