Former President Rodrigo Duterte said the government appears to be taking its time in lowering the price of rice.

Speaking at the proclamation rally of the PDP-Laban senatorial candidates at Club Filipino in San Juan Thuirsday night, Duterte said ''it seems as if the administration is taking his time in lowering the price of rice.''

Duterte said the price of rice is a central issue among Philippine families.

He said the country is agriculture-based but the problem as far as food is concerned is a difficult one. ''Of course, the typhoons could be one of the factors,'' he said.

''If you are in government, you cannot just continue to give promises.... but as far as food is concerned, this is a priority,'' he said.

Re-electionist senators Bong Go and Ronald Dela Rosa are the two main bets of the PDP-Laban party.

Duterte arrived at the proclamation close to 8 pm. DMS