Sinag seeks update on probe of NFA execs

THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag) has sought an update on the Office of the Ombudsman's probe involving former National Food Authority (NFA) administrator Roderico Bioco and other individuals linked to the alleged irregular sale of rice.

"We are asking the Ombudsman to inform us about the progress of the case against the former NFA administrator and other officials," Sinag president Rosendo So said.

So was referring to the investigation involving 139 people accused of graft over the "alleged irregular sale of 75,000 bags of rice stored in agency warehouses to private traders."

Bioco had denied any irregularity, claiming that the sale was aboveboard.

So appealed to the Ombudsman to expedite its probe.

"We strongly urge Ombudsman Samuel Martires to unveil the identities of the Department of Agriculture officials, including those at the NFA, past and present, who have been involved in graft and corruption in the interest of public transparency," he said in a statement.

The Ombudsman has lifted the preventive suspension order issued against over 100 NFA officials and employees, although they remain as respondents in the case.

NFA Assistant Administrator for Operations Lemuel Pagayunan had alleged in a complaint letter submitted to the Office of the President in February 2024 that Bioco and other individuals had sold 75,000 bags of rice valued at P93.7 million without the NFA council's approval. He also claimed that Bioco and other NFA officials engaged with commercial rice traders without allowing other bidders to participate.

"The Ombudsman must prosecute these cases with delay. If no one is prosecuted, then those involved in such anomalies will not be deterred," So said.