Agri chief orders probe into alleged procurement anomalies

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday said he has ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Department of Agriculture’s procurement and distribution of farm inputs and machinery following complaints from several farmers’ groups.

“We invite these farmers’ groups and other organizations to help us ferret out corruption within our midst,” the agriculture chief said.

Tiu Laurel said the latest probe would go beyond routine checks conducted earlier this year, which yielded no adverse findings, as part of efforts to ensure public funds are properly spent and any wrongdoing is uncovered.

He noted that the DA had also investigated similar complaints last year, resulting in the imposition of penalties.

Aside from the procurement review, Tiu Laurel directed the DA’s legal team to look into reported delays in fertilizer deliveries.

Suppliers found to have failed in their contractual obligations may face sanctions or blacklisting, he said, signaling tighter enforcement as the planting season approaches.

The agriculture chief also announced plans to test inorganic fertilizers to assess their effectiveness in boosting production and to pilot a new procurement system this year.

Under the scheme, farmers will be allowed to directly purchase eligible products using their Intervention Monitoring Card (IMC) or an IMC-linked e-wallet.

The DA is targeting full implementation of the initiative next year, he added.—MCG, GMA Integrated News