DA chief refutes claims of agri anomalies vs FL

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. is preparing to file a possible cyberlibel complaint against former House appropriations chair Zaldy Co, whom he accused of spreading “fabricated lies” about alleged irregularities in the Department of Agriculture (DA).

- By CHRISTINE BOTON

During a press conference yesterday, Tiu Laurel acknowledged that legal action is now being considered.

“I didn’t think about it. But earlier, one of my DAs (staff asked to file a case). So, I told

him to prepare a case whether to file it or not. Of course, I want to file it now.

But we have to think about it," he said, adding that the complaint being studied is for "cyberlibel." The move comes after Co leveled corruption allegations that Tiu Laurel dismissed as false and intended to distract the public from Co's ongoing legal troubles related to a controversial flood-control project.

Tiu Laurel also addressed Co's claims across several agricultural sectors.

On sugar, he recalled Co's March 2024 request for a 200,000-metric ton import allocation, which he deemed excessive. The DA later issued Sugar Order No. 2, creating a fairer allocation system; the total sugar import quota for 2024 was 280,000 MT.

On onions, he attributed the 2023.

price surge to supply shortages identified by the Bureau of Plant Industry in October 2022, dismissing claims of hoarding or smuggling. He also denied rumors linking presidential brother-in-law Martin Araneta to onion imports.