By Junex Doronio
MANILA — Displaying his being a decisive leader, Department of Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Tiu Laurel Jr. on Monday (04 Mar 2024) temporarily took over the National Food Administration (NFA) as the suspension order covering nearly 140 officials and employees takes effect.
Maharlika NuMedia learned that the suspension of the NFA officials and employees, including administrator Roderico Bioco and assistant administrator for operations John Robert Hermano, was aimed at allowing the Ombudsman to secure all the documents and other evidence relating to the supposed “disadvantageous” sale of the buffer stocks.
“To avoid any delays in the services and projects of the agency, I will temporarily take over the leadership of the NFA. Apart from the suspended NFA personnel, who as we speak after being served their suspension letters, we expect everyone in the agency to do their regular job to ensure that our countrymen are provided the service they deserve,” Tiu Laurel declared.
The DA chief earlier established a panel to look into allegations that certain officials authorized the sale of milled rice stored in the agency’s warehouse for P25 a kilogram without bidding, and after purchasing the grains in palay (unmilled rice) at P23 per kilogram.
But the NFA issued a statement, saying it had the mandate to dispose of its rice in good and consumable condition, as it said it released the supply responsibly by stretching to the maximum shelf life and minimizing the sale of residual volume to other accounts.
“Rice is the main food staple of tens of millions of Filipinos, particularly the poor. We cannot allow those who have been entrusted this noble task to bilk the NFA, enriching themselves at the expense of millions who struggle every day for a chance to feed their families,” Laurel pointed out.
(el Amigo/MNM)