OFFICIALS of the Department of Agriculture and the Food Terminal Incorporated will be probed by the Office of the Ombudsman over its procurement of onions worth around P500 per kilo.
According to Allan Gatus’ report on Super Radyo dzBB, the Ombudsman will investigate the DA and the FTI’s procurement of onions worth P537 per kilo from the Bonena Multipurpose Cooperative.
Ombudsman Samuel Martires said he will send notices to DA and FTI officials.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is the sitting secretary of the DA.
The officials will be made to explain the reasoning behind the procurement of onions at such a price when the same onions are sold at Kadiwa stores for P170 per kilo.
DA spokesperson Rex Estoperez on Monday earlier said that the agency is looking at price manipulation as one of the reasons for the high cost of onions in public markets.
Senator Cynthia Villar on Monday said a cartel could be behind the high prices of onions in local markets, citing a 2013 investigation that showed that there is an onion cartel that has “complete control” over the supply in the country.
Due to the continuous rise in prices in public markets, the DA on Saturday recommended importing 22,000 metric tons of onions.
metrosundaily
