Piñol to leave agri garlic scam case to Ombudsman

DAVAO CITY – Incoming agriculture secretary Emmanuel Piñol is leaving it to the Ombudsman to look into the allegations against outgoing agriculture officials, saying he would rather focus on ensuring the country’s food security.

“I don’t have time to run after people and search for documents. There are constitutional bodies tasked to do that. If somebody files case against them and the Ombudsman comes in, then so be it,” Piñol said in a press conference last Thursday here.

“I won’t waste my time digging for transactions, past records and everything. I have to do my work and produce food,” he added.

Piñol was asked to react to reports that the Ombudsman is probing the alleged involvement of outgoing Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala in the so-called garlic cartel scam.

Also being investigated are Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) officials Clarito Barron, Merle Palacpac, Jesus Bajacan, Luben Marasigan and Lilia Cruz who has been accused of being a dummy importer, and the incorporators of the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines Inc. (VIEVA).

Authorities launched an investigation on the alleged hoarding and cartel-like activities of some traders after an extraordinary spike in the prices of garlic was observed in 2014.

Last year, the NBI reported that the VIEVA and importers monopolized the garlic supply and dictated garlic prices. According to investigators, BPI officials granted several import permits to the VIEVA and its affiliates even without the required accreditation.

Piñol said he is now consulting with stakeholders in the agriculture sector to find ways to increase garlic production in the country. 

“Our production of garlic is low and the cost of production is high. This will really encourage smugglers to import,” the incoming agriculture chief said.

“If Filipino farmers can produce the commodity, let’s help them produce it. If the price is competitive, let’s buy it from Filipino farmers. We have to improve technology and lower the production costs so they can be priced at a competitive level,” he added.