No action on sugar import mess? Tolentino panel vows to go after erring officials

MANILA, Philippines— Senator Francis Tolentino on Wednesday addressed the concerns raised over the “inaction” of the Senate blue ribbon committee in the alleged anomalous sugar importation in the country.

“I understand that there are concerns about the Senate blue ribbon committee’s inaction on the alleged anomalous sugar importation. And I take these allegations seriously, and I believe for me, is violative of our tradition of courtesy,” Tolentino, the panel chairman, said on the Senate floor.

Without mentioning who made the remark against the committee, Tolentino pointed out that it has never reneged on its duties, investigating matters of public interest brought before it.

READ: Hontiveros: Palace must shatter silence on new sugar fiasco

He cited as an example its investigation last year on the same issue of sugar importation that resulted in the filing of cases against erring officials.

“The committee has been working diligently and will continue to do so as its guiding principle,” Tolentino said.

At present, however, he admitted that the “committee’s hands are full” as it just concluded its probe on the alleged human smuggling at the Ninoy Aquino International.

“I want to clarify, Mr. President, that your committee will take action on pressing issues involving malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in office by officers and employees of the government, its branches, agencies, subdivisions, and instrumentalities, and will investigate any matter of public interest laid before it,” said the senator.

“Rest assured that the blue ribbon committee will remain steadfast and committed in its responsibilities. Rest assured that we will hold accountable those who should be held accountable, and punish those who should be punished,” Tolentino further said.

Opposition Senator Risa Hontiveros later stood up in the plenary to attest that Tolentino’s panel is already preparing to investigate another alleged anomaly in sugar importation.

READ: Hontiveros uncovers alleged government-sponsored sugar smuggling

In a resolution filed last month, Hontiveros called on the committee to look into what she called a “government-sponsored sugar smuggling” when a shipment of 260 20-foot containers of sweeteners arrived in the country last month even before an order authorizing it was issued.

READ: Hontiveros: Palace must shatter silence on new sugar fiasco

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