DA denies importation of cabbage, says Palace

The Department of Agriculture has denied that the government is importing cabbage, Malacañang said Tuesday.

''Nakausap po mismo natin si Secretary Kiko Laurel Jr., kanina lamang ha, Kiko Tiu Laurel Jr., kasama natin siya sa UPLIFT Committee meeting at nabanggit po natin iyang isyu na iyan,'' Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said during the Palace press briefing.

(We talked to Secretary Kiko Laurel Jr. at the sidelines of the UPLIFT Committee meeting and we've mentioned that issue to him.)

''At ang sinabi po niya ay wala pong katotohanan ang sinasabi ni Senator Imee Marcos, hindi po daw nag-aangkat ang DA ng repolyo,'' she added.

(He said there's no truth about Senator Imee Marcos' remarks as DA is not importing cabbage.)

In a statement, Senator Imee Marcos scored DA over the alleged continued influx of imported vegetables, including cabbage.

She said cabbage farmers were selling their produce at very low farmgate prices.

The senator urged the government to buy the produce of farmers.

“Maawa naman kayo, bilhin ninyo ang gulay ng magsasaka—kahit wala nang ayuda! Nagugutom na ang nagpapakain sa bayan! Unahin ninyo naman sila!” she said.

(Have pity, buy the vegetables directly from the farmers. Those who feed the nation are starving. Prioritize them.) —AOL, GMA News