Separate probe sought on agencies in fund misuse

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Aquilino Pimentel III has reiterated his call for the Senate to conduct a separate probe on how agencies like the Department of Agriculture (DA) are implementing projects identified by lawmakers in lump sum appropriations under the national budget.

He learned that he was used as an endorser in a memorandum of agreement (MOA) dated Nov. 20 last year between the DA and Surigao del Sur Gov. Johnny Pimentel (no relation) for funds to be drawn from the DA’s organic agriculture program.

Pimentel said the MOA did not originate from his office or the DA.

“It is an MOA between the DA and Surigao del Sur,” he said.

“It mentions my name as a chosen beneficiary of a certain amount and then mentions the fact that I have chosen the ultimate beneficiary, the province of Surigao del Sur.”

He will file a resolution with the Senate Blue Ribbon committee to investigate non-PDAF scam since the MOA concerns P10 million and mentions his name, Pimentel said.

Meanwhile, Sen. Cynthia Villar called on farmers and other stakeholders to work together to boost their global competitiveness.

Their collaboration to increase production will make the country food sufficient and increase their income, she added.

Villar said the country’s integration to the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015 is fast approaching.

“It will bring about competition,” she said. “So we have to brace and be prepared for that.” 

The proliferation of imported onions and garlic has adversely affected Filipino producers, Villar said.