![“The Pharmally case... there are 46 respondents [in our complaint], kaya medyo matagal. And many of them have become invisible. Para bang they're trying to evade the jurisdiction of this body,” says Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla.](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/plunder_copy_resized_resized-218x150.jpg "Ombudsman presses P11-B Pharmally plunder case But 23 respondents missing— Remulla")
BACOLOD City – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has disbursed P3.720 million in financial aid to assist 248 micro rice retailers in Negros Occidental affected by the rice price ceiling.
Among these retailers, 28 are located in this provincial capital.
During the recent payout at the Bacolod City Government Center, 211 beneficiaries received a one-time cash aid of P15,000 each, totaling P3.1 million for this second batch of rice retailers. In the pilot distribution last week, 37 beneficiaries availed themselves of this assistance.
Arwin Razo, the assistant regional director for operations at DSWD Region 6, said they will continue with the disbursement of funds under the Sustainable Livelihood Program – Economic Relief Subsidy as long as their partner implementing agency, the Department of Trade and Industry, continues to provide a list of eligible and compliant beneficiaries.
Executive Order No. 39 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. imposed price ceilings on regular and well-milled rice nationwide, with rates set at P41 and P45 per kilogram, respectively, effective since Sept. 5./PN