Senate blue ribbon panel concludes sugar importation probe

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate blue ribbon committee on Tuesday concluded its investigation into the controversial Sugar Order No. 4 that would have authorized the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar into the country.

It was Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s idea to terminate the hearings already and come up with a resolution on the issue and see whether or not there were cases that needed to be filed against those involved in the mess.

The reason, he said, is to “hasten the proceedings.”

“I would suggest doing justice to the farmers and stakeholders; maybe we can terminate the hearings, come up with a quick resolution of the case, approve it before the break and if these cases are necessary to be filed, let us file them so that they have their day in court,” Zubiri said during the hearing.

“If we feel there is malfeasance, misfeasance, or any violation to the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, let us come up already with the findings and proceed with filing the cases,” he added.

This was agreed upon by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III, adding that the committee can just come up with one final report.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada motioned to terminate the proceedings, which was seconded by Senator Ronald  dela Rosa.

“Without objection, the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing relative to the sugar fiasco is hereby adjourned and terminated,” chairperson Francis Tolentino said.

Tuesday’s hearing is the third installation of the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inquiry into the sugar importation fiasco.

Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez attended the hearing after the panel voted to issue a subpoena against him after the official said he would no longer be able to attend the hearing “per instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.”

READ: ES Rodriguez shows up at sugar probe after Senate panel OKs subpoena vs him

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