MANILA — Malacañang on Thursday clapped back at Vice President Sara Duterte following her sharp criticism of the government’s ₱20-per-kilo rice initiative, calling on her to avoid fostering a “crab mentality.”
“Let’s not promote crab mentality,” said Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro during a press briefing, responding to Duterte’s recent remarks.
The Vice President had called out the Department of Agriculture’s plan to pilot the sale of affordable rice in the Visayas, claiming it was a thinly veiled election promise meant to bolster support for administration senatorial candidates.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. previously announced the program’s launch in Visayas, with the aim of expanding it nationwide as envisioned by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Duterte, however, dismissed the initiative as a rehashed campaign promise with no clear path to delivery, accusing the government of misleading the public.
Castro also addressed speculation tying the rice program to a recent survey showing a decline in Marcos’ trust and approval ratings. She insisted the timing of the initiative is unrelated to the survey results.