AS IF THE flood control scandal isn’t enough, the administration is saddled with similar irregularities which once haunted the Department of Agriculture.
By his own admission, Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu-Laurel said that his agency has been receiving numerous complaint over dubious fertilizer procurement deals.
Laurel however assured that the agency is looking into allegations against five suppliers of poor quality fertilizer products meant to boost harvest of local farmers.
Showing a similarity to the scheme where infrastructure projects are done with substandard materials, the DA probe covers five firms suspected to have brought in low quality fertilizer products that are far below the government’s standard requirements.
Under scrutiny are the Agri-Victorius Trading Corporation, DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading, Valap Incorporated, Dos Asia Chemical Trading Corporation and Rova Fertilizer Manufacturing.
All five suppliers have been previously flagged during quality tests at the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA).
Denouncing their alleged unfair practices, the agriculture secretary explained that the investigation aims to prove whether or not the products met government standards.
“We agreed to pay the price they bid, yet they delivered substandard products. That is highway robbery, and we will not allow it. They have no shame,” Laurel pointed out even as he claimed that the five suppliers have already been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
He likewise ordered the suspension of fertilizer distribution until the completion of the review and the issuance of a clearance from the Office of the Secretary.
Agriculture employees must also report pending deliveries, ongoing transactions and related documentation to enable a thorough evaluation.