By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Saying that he has already divested all his business interests, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel promised to serve with integrity and not use his position to benefit his family’s fishing business.
During the confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments (CA) on Tuesday (December 5), the former president of Frabelle Fishing Corporation claimed that he had divested his interests before he was appointed to take the helm at the DA from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., who headed the agency in a concurrent capacity before the appointment of Laurel.
“I have divested from all 68 companies through Deed of Donation or Deed of Sale,” Laurel said in response to Senator Risa Hontiveros’ concern about the possible conflict of interest with Tiu Laurel at the helm of the agriculture department.
He said he would not smear his family’s reputation by using his position to give favors to their business.
“Mr. Secretary, as we all know, you were a renowned businessman before your appointment. Various stakeholders raised their concerns regarding the supposed ‘conflict of interest’ between ties with your companies and your new government position,” Hontiveros told Tiu Laurel.
(ai/mnm)
