President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has underscored that the suspension of over a hundred officials from the National Food Administration (NFA) extends beyond the issue of the anomalous sale of rice. Speaking from Melbourne on Wednesday, the President elucidated that the decision also pertains to a broader examination of the NFA’s internal procedures, highlighting instances of actions conducted without necessary approvals from the board, the Department of Agriculture (DA), and the wider Cabinet.
The suspensions come as part of a thorough investigation into not only the irregularities in rice sales but also the disregard for established procedural rules within the NFA. “It’s not only the anomalous sale of NFA rice we’re looking into. We are also scrutinizing some of the NFA procedures conducted without board approval, without proper discussion within the NFA, with the DA, and with the rest of the Cabinet,” President Marcos explained.
This move is a precautionary step to ensure accountability and rectify procedural non-compliance within the NFA. The President’s actions reflect a commitment to addressing any form of wrongdoing, including both the mismanagement of rice sales and procedural oversights.
Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., who was appointed as the Secretary of Agriculture in November 2023, has assumed temporary charge of the NFA following the Ombudsman’s suspension order against 139 officials and employees. This response was prompted by revelations that some NFA officials had sanctioned the sale of milled rice, stored in the agency’s warehouse, at a price significantly lower than the purchase price, bypassing the bidding process.
In defense, the NFA has claimed that its mandate includes the disposal of rice in good condition, asserting that the sale was conducted responsibly to extend the supply’s shelf life and minimize residual volume sales to other accounts. The unfolding situation suggests a pivotal moment for the NFA as it navigates through these allegations under the scrutiny of President Marcos’ administration, aiming for a reformed and transparent operation moving forward.