Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the audit of rice sales since 2019 to ensure that necessary safeguards are in place.

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Agriculture (DA) is ready to face the planned Senate investigation into the alleged anomalous sale of rice to traders by the National Food Authority (NFA).

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered the audit of rice sales since 2019 to ensure that necessary safeguards are in place.

“We will be cooperating in any inquiries inside and outside the DA,” Laurel said.

He said private traders would also face investigation over the alleged illegal sale of NFA rice.

“They will not be free from (accountability) if they are found liable during the probe,” Laurel said.

He assured the public of unhampered services in the NFA despite the suspension of its head, Roderico Bioco, and 138 officials and employees.

DA spokesman Arnel de Mesa said the NFA would hold an emergency council meeting today to ensure continued operations.

Laurel will head the NFA pending the appointment of Bioco’s replacement, according to De Mesa.

De Mesa said the government has earmarked funding for buffer stocks and that NFA has started buying rice from local farmers.

On Monday, Bioco and 138 officials, including 99 warehouse supervisors, 29 branch managers and 12 regional managers, were suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman over the NFA mess.

They will be replaced by the next personnel in line, De Mesa said.

“To date, there are over 1,000 NFA employees, including field officers. Those who are next in rank will be named branch and regional managers,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP) and Bantay Bigas sought the repeal of the Rice Liberalization Law, which prevents the NFA from buying and selling rice.

The law only allows the NFA to buy rice for buffer stocks during calamities and emergencies.

KMP chairman Danilo Ramos and Cathy Estavillo of Bantay Bigas said the law should be repealed to allow the NFA to sell cheaper rice. — Jun Elias

Published Date: March 5, 2024