DOJ action sought on monopolies

MANILA, Philippines — An anti-crime group has appealed to Justice Secretary Leila de Lima to expedite the resolution of its complaint against officials of the Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) and traders for allegedly engaging in cartel and monopoly.

In an interview, Dante Jimenez, head of the Volunteers Against Crime and Corruption (VACC), said unscrupulous individuals have conspired to monopolize the importation of garlic and onions.

Jimenez said the complaint has been filed against Clarito Barron, director of the BPI; Luben Marasigan, head of the BPI’s quarantine service; and Leah Cruz, an importer of garlic.

The VACC accused them of violating laws against monopolies. The group, led by Jimenez and VACC chair Martin Dino, filed the complaint at the Department of Justice on Aug. 23.

Jimenez said VACC filed the complaint heeding the call of President Aquino for ordinary citizens to contribute to the President’s straight path policy.

The VACC complaint accused Barron and Marasigan of conniving with Cruz to corner the importation of garlic.

“Respondents Barron and Marasigan continuously abused their power,” Jimenez said.