Comprehensive Audit Launched on NFA Rice Stock Sales Amid Controversy

In response to allegations of malpractice in the sale of buffer rice stocks to private entities, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has initiated a thorough examination of the National Food Authority’s (NFA) rice stock transactions dating back to 2019. This decision follows reports suggesting potential irregularities and corruption within the agency’s operations, particularly in the disposition of rice intended as a national buffer stock.

The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Internal Audit Service (IAS), under the leadership of Joan Jagonos-Oliva, is set to scrutinize the NFA’s activities over the past years, especially in the wake of the Rice Tariffication Law’s enactment. This law significantly altered the NFA’s role in the rice sector, stripping it of its regulatory powers and monopoly over rice importation, limiting its function to maintaining essential buffer stocks for the country.

With the NFA’s current mandate emphasizing the storage of a specified amount of rice to cover the country’s needs during lean periods, concerns have arisen over the handling and sale of these stocks. Reports have indicated that certain officials may have exploited loopholes for personal gain, leading to the unauthorized sale of aging rice stocks.

The audit aims to uncover any patterns of rice stock disposition that could have negatively impacted the government, shedding light on the effectiveness of current policies and the integrity of the officials involved. This investigation comes amidst actions taken by the Ombudsman, which include the preventive suspension of 139 NFA officials and employees under suspicion, highlighting the gravity of the accusations faced by the agency.

The Agriculture Secretary has underscored the importance of cooperation from DA-NFA officials and personnel to facilitate a smooth and effective audit process. This move is part of a broader effort to ensure transparency, accountability, and the optimal use of the country’s rice reserves.

As the investigation unfolds, the agricultural sector and the public await the findings, hopeful for resolutions that will reinforce trust in the institutions responsible for securing the nation’s food supply.