Corruption seen behind plan to import 300,000MT tons of sugar

THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) on Friday alleged that there was corruption in the failed plan to import 300,000 metric tons (MT) of sugar in the country.

In a radio interview, SINAG President Rosendo So said that based on the consultation organized by officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), the shortfall in supply was only at 100,000MT.

"We were surprised because the shortfall they mentioned was at 100,000 metric tons. We see some corruption within the department and the volume is so much, three times the volume they are saying," So said.

Press Secretary Rose Beatrice "Trixie" Angeles said Malacanang has launched an investigation to determine the liability of officials behind the illegal plan to import 300,000MT of sugar after the signature of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was affixed without his knowledge.

"The fact they signed it without the President's authority, that's a big problem. Officials who signed the order should immediately be replaced," So added.

The supposed SRA Board Sugar Order 4 was signed by DA Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian for Marcos; SRA Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica as SRA Board Vice-Chairman; lawyer Roland B. Beltran, Board and Millers' representative and Aurelio Gerardo J. Valderrama Jr., acting Board member and Planters' representative.

Source: TheManila Times