Ombud to probe on alleged unscrupulous NFA retailers

The Office of the Ombudsman Visayas is looking into reports that some unscrupulous retailers of the government-subsidized rice from the National Food Authority have favored rich customers over the poor by selling to the former more than the three-kilo limit set by the government.

Deputy Ombudsman Pelagio Apostol said he will investigate these complaints and call the attention of the NFA officials to monitor their retailers.

Complaints against some authorized NFA retailers have plagued the anti-graft office’s weekly radio program over dyLA. Assistant Ombudsman Virginia Palanca Santiago said these complaints will be docketed as “request for assistance.”

“Tingnan natin kung mayroon nga'ng abuso,” Apostol said.

According to Apostol, the NFA should monitor its dealer to ensure that nobody is taking advantage of the government-subsidized rice intended for the poor.

One of the listeners of the program “Gubat Batok sa Kurapsiyon” specifically complained against an NFA outlet in T. Padilla which allegedly sold sacks of rice to rich customers bringing along their luxury vehicles while the poor have to contend with a measly one kilo, which they also have to fight with the other customers lining up before they could buy.

According to the people who complained, it is not only that these rich customers are not made to fall in line they were also given a hefty share of the rice stocks, which they said is a clear violation of the order of the NFA to limit to three kilos for every customer.

Meanwhile, governors, municipal and city mayors, even at the barangay  level, are encouraged to activate the Local Price Coordinating Councils in view of recent increases in prices of prime commodities.

The Department of Interior and Local Government encouraged local chief executives down to the barangays to activate the LPCC’s and to be on tight watch against unauthorized increases in prices of basic commodities.

“An active Local Price Coordinating Council helps ensure the availability of basic goods to consumers and prevent unreasonable price increases, particularly in times of crisis, calamities, emergencies, widespread illegal manipulation and similar situations,” DILG said.  – Fred P. Languido and Ferliza C. Contratista/MEEV