NFA chief denies graft allegations

The National Food Authority (NFA) has denied the prevalence of graft and corruption practices at the NFA, among others, with its chief Judy Carol Dansal claiming that officers of NFA’s labor union who made such claims were no longer recognized by the agency.

The NFA Employees Association earlier appealed to President Duterte to replace Dansal over allegations of graft and corrupt practices, grave abuse of authority, wanton disregard of rules and regulations and union busting.

At least three graft charges were filed before the Office of the Ombudsman and an administrative complaint before the Civil Service Commission against Dansal.

The NFA has yet to receive copies of the complaints but Dansal said they were ready to address the allegations and prove their innocence “in the proper forum.”

Agriculture Secretary William Dar said they would let the law resolve this issue at once.

“I can’t speak for the President. Due process must be observed,” said Dar in a text message.

Maximo Torda, national president of NFA Employees Association, said the association had appealed to the President to “save the agency from further deterioration.”