MANILA, April 29 -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday called for support for the upcoming launching of the PHP20 per kilogram rice program in Visayas and Metro Manila.

In a press conference at the DA central office in Quezon City, he said the program is not part of any political efforts amid the upcoming May 12 midterm elections.

"Ang hiling ko ay suportahan nila para smooth ang implementation at makikinabang naman dito, ang lahat ng tao whether anong kampo ka pa ng politics (My request is for them to support a smooth implementation because everyone will benefit from it whatever political camp you belong). I'm not a politician so I don't really care," he said.

Tiu Laurel said around four milli...