Expedite probe of 2023 NFA rice sale

Ombudsman Samuel Martires should expedite the investigation into the alleged anomalous sale of National Food Authority (NFA) rice to private traders in 2023, according to farmers' group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag).

- BELLA CARIASO

Martires should also identify officials being probed by the anti-graft court, Sinag president Rosendo So said yesterday.

"We are asking the ombudsman to inform us about the progress of the case against the former NFA administrator and other officials," he said.

About 75,000 bags of NFA rice worth P93.75 million were allegedly sold by NFA officials to G4 Rice Mill San Miguel Corp. and NBK San Pedro Rice Mill without the approval of the NFA Council.

"If no one is prosecuted before the Sandiganbayan, then those involved in such anomalies will not be deterred," So said.

The ombudsman imposed in March last year a six-month preventive suspension on then-NFA administrator Roderico Bioco, assistant administrator for operations John Robert Hermano and 137 other officials and employees facing administrative charges.

The suspension of 72 NFA officials was lifted by the ombudsman.