Sebastian, Serafica: Our conscience is clear

Suspended Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian and resigned Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Hermenegildo Serafica have insisted that they did nothing wrong in connection with the controversial Sugar Order No. 4 (SO 4).

In a report on Unang Balita by Maki Pulido and Tina Panganiban-Perez on Friday, both Sebastian and Serafica said their conscience is "clear" despite the recommendation of the Senate blue ribbon committee that they face administrative and criminal charges.

"My conscience is clear. I have nothing to hide," Serafica said in a statement.

Sebastian, for his part, said his conscience is "very clear" during an interview.

The two attended Thursday's hearing at the House of Representatives regarding SO 4 — the order that would've allowed the importation of 300,000 tons of sugar that Malacañang said was illegal as it was not approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the current Agriculture secretary.

Aside from Sebastian and Serafica, also recommended to face charges by the Senate blue ribbon committee were former Sugar Board members Roland Beltran and Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr.

GMA News was still trying to reach Beltran and Valderrama for their comment as of posting time.

In his statement following the release of the blue ribbon report, Serafica said it was "unfortunate" that the evidence they presented "were not given weight."

"In a way, we expected this outcome but we kept our faith in the process," he said.

Sebastian, meanwhile, refused to comment further, saying he has yet to receive a copy of the blue ribbon report.

San Jose del Monte City Representative Florida Robes, who chairs the  House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability, said her panel is also likely to recommend charges in connection with the SO 4 controversy.

"Oh yes, there is. There will be a recommendation. It will come out next week," she said when asked if her committee will recommend charges against those involved in the order.

The House committee terminated its investigation on Thursday.  —KBK, GMA News