Ombudsman Martires serves subpoena to NFA for list of warehouses

Ombudsman Samuel Martires on Thursday personally served a subpoena to the National Food Authority (NFA) to request a list of NFA warehouses that allegedly released rice at a loss to favored traders.

He was met by OIC Administrator Piolito Santos, who was appointed interim head of the agency on Wednesday in the wake of the suspension of 139 NFA officials over the issue.

Some of the lists have reportedly been provided, but others are expected to be submitted tomorrow.

In an interview, Martires emphasized the importance of protecting the integrity of the documents to prevent tampering, as well as to prevent further malfeasance and misfeasance in office. He also said that the process will help determine the guilt or innocence of the suspended officials.

"This is important to us because we want to know the truth. We are only after the truth so that the public will know what is happening," he said.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. recently implemented the six-month preventive suspension order issued by the Ombudsman against the 139 NFA officials amid the investigation into the alleged sale of rice at a loss to favored traders. Those suspended are NFA Administrator Roderico Bioco, Assistant Administrator for Operations John Robert Hermano, 12 regional managers, 27 branch managers, and 98 warehouse supervisors nationwide.

It remains to be seen what the outcome of the investigation will be, but the Ombudsman aims to conclude it as soon as possible. Some of the warehouses under investigation are in Zamboanga, Jolo, Nueva Ecija, Cebu, Bohol, and Antique. — BM, GMA Integrated News