Piñol cancels NFA chief Jason Aquino’s leave

Following the return of the National Food Authority to the Department of Agriculture, Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol said Thursday he canceled the leave of absence of NFA administrator Jason Aquino.

"Kausap ko si Jason Aquino kanina and I canceled his leave. Sabi ko, 'I'm cancelling your leave, you have to report to duty.' Wala pa namang pumapalit sa kanya... wala pang pinapalit si Presidente so effectively he's still the NFA administrator," Piñol said in an interview on GMA News TV's News to Go.

Aquino has been on leave since September 12, after President Rodrigo Duterte announced he is looking to replace the NFA administrator amid the shortage of the government-subsidized rice. 

The Agriculture chief said he needs Aquino during the transition of the NFA for a new leadership.

"Hihingi ako ng listahan ng key people, there will be movements. 'Yung mga regional directors nong mga areas na may mga bodega na sa palagay namin ginagamit para taguan ng bigas should answer," Piñol said.

"Pinapaimbestigahan ko din ung sa Mindoro, 'yung napunta sa farmers group ung bigas at binenta sa traders."

Duterte issued Executive Order No. 62 on September 17, which transferred the NFA, Philippine Coconut Authority, and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority back to the DA from the Office of the President.

The EO also reorganized the rice importation policy-setting body NFA Council, making the Secretary of Agriculture as chairman and the NFA administrator as vice chairman. — Ted Cordero/RSJ, GMA News