Early case resolution sought for 141 NFA officials

MANILA, Philippines —  The resolution of cases against 141 officials and employees of the National Food Authority must be hastened amid the six-month preventive suspension issued by the ombudsman for the alleged anomalous sale of NFA rice to some traders, according to Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr.

“During our last meeting at the NFA, the secretary wants the resolution of the case very soon so that those who are really accountable will be covered by the investigation and those who have nothing to do (with the alleged anomaly) can return to their respective work,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel de Mesa said at a press conference yesterday.

“They are under preventive suspension without pay, this is really difficult for ordinary employees, it’s hard for their families if they are not directly involved,” he added.

Among those suspended were administrator Roderico Bioco, assistant administrator for operations John Robert Hermano, former officer-in-charge Piolito Santos and 138 officials and employees of the agency, including 12 regional managers, 26 branch managers and 99 warehouse supervisors.

The completion of the audit of NFA’s rice disposition will be up to the team created by Laurel.

Laurel ordered the Department of Agriculture’s Internal Audit Service to audit the NFA’s rice disposition for the past five years after NFA assistant administrator for operations Lemuel Pagayunan accused Bioco and other officials of allowing the sale of 75,000 bags of NFA rice totaling P93.75 million to certain traders.

“I cannot give you an update as it is ongoing unless they issue an update but up to now, we have yet to receive it as the review will start in 2019,” De Mesa said.