GMA returns to DOJ, attends hearing of accused rice hoarders

MANILA, Philippines – Traders accused of rice hoarding appeared before the Department of Justice (DOJ) yesterday with no less than President Arroyo personally witnessing the prosecution of cases against them.

Mrs. Arroyo demanded that she witness the filing of criminal charges against the suspected rice hoarders at the DOJ.

“I am just here to observe to make sure things go fast,” the President told reporters.

Thirteen of the 33 rice traders suspected of hoarding and diverting state-subsidized staple submitted their counter-affidavits, denying the allegations.

The rice traders were identified as Eleonor Rodriguez, Meynard Guevarra, Francisco Dio, Arnel Lagunoy, Marzan Maguo, Geonell Vin Centeno, Delia Barreda, Sofia Guzman, Prestifero Manalo, Lydia M. Supremido, Anthony Choi Angeles, Romeo Mariano Jr. and Remedios Almazan.

The 13 were among the 33 traders facing charges before the anti-rice hoarding task force formed by the DOJ led by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The 33 traders were also accused of diverting government rice from the National Food Authority (NFA) and selling them as commercial rice varieties.

Three NFA officials were also charged for complicity in diverting rice with the traders.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez said the criminal cases against the traders would be presented in court this week.

“I may be hard on you but you are doing a good job,” she told the task force.

However, Mrs. Arroyo expressed irritation that only administrative charges were filed against the three NFA officials.

“That is why you have a task force so you do not have to point fingers at each other,” she told the task force.

Later, the DOJ endorsed the filing of criminal charges against the NFA employees identified as Jose dela Cruz, Carmelita Bacus and Helen Osin.

In the presence of Mrs. Arroyo, State Chief Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño immediately signed the endorsement for criminal prosecution of the three NFA officials.

After the endorsement, Mrs. Arroyo praised the NBI for its “good sleuthing job.”

Gonzalez explained the DOJ has no jurisdiction over the administrative cases filed by the NFA against its employees, but the agency does have jurisdiction over criminal cases filed against government employees.