Senator Raffy Tulfo has brought to light accusations against officials of the National Food Authority (NFA) for allegedly manipulating the sale of rice stocks to favor certain traders. In a privileged speech, Tulfo claimed that the agency’s quality assurance officer was instructed to falsely declare good rice as being in poor condition to reduce its selling price. This revelation raises serious concerns about the integrity of rice sales and the potential impact on local government units (LGUs) and farmers.
The scheme outlined by Tulfo involves the NFA purchasing unmilled rice at P24 per kilo, with an additional P2 per kilo subsidy under the Palay Marketing Assistance Program for Legislators and Local Government Units (PALLGU), bringing the purchase price to P26. The NFA then allegedly sells these stocks, wrongfully declared unfit for human consumption through manipulated laboratory reports, to private millers at a lower price. This practice not only undercuts the value of the rice but also prioritizes private traders over the needs of LGUs and the intended beneficiaries of the PALLGU program.
This controversy comes amidst the suspension of 139 NFA officials and staff related to the questionable sale of 150,000 bags of rice. The senator highlighted the case of Isabela province, which requested 10,000 bags of rice from the NFA but was allocated only 3,000, exemplifying the skewed distribution practices that favor private entities over public needs.
Senator Tulfo’s allegations prompt a broader examination of the NFA’s role in supporting Filipino farmers and ensuring fair and equitable access to rice for all stakeholders, particularly LGUs and their constituents. The forthcoming Senate investigation seeks to address these concerns, aiming to restore fairness and transparency in the NFA’s operations.
This situation underscores the critical need for oversight and accountability in government agencies tasked with managing essential food supplies. As the controversy unfolds, it will be imperative for the NFA and relevant authorities to take decisive action to correct any malpractices and to ensure that the agency fulfills its mandate to serve the Filipino people.