Saying it is a mere political spin, Binay pointed out that most LGUs may not be able to use the money for food-related projects since they depend on IRA to pay for salaries and operating expenses. The IRA represents the share of local governments from national taxes.

"They claim that the money would be used to address the issue of food security is just a political spin. These funds rightfully belong to the local government," he said.

To address the food crisis, Binay reiterated his call on Malacañang to declare a state of calamity to allow LGUs to use their calamity funds to purchase and distribute rice to their poor constituents.