INQUIRER / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — The National Food Authority (NFA) is fully cooperating with the Ombudsman’s investigation into the alleged anomalous sale of buffer rice stocks, Department of Agriculture (DA) spokesperson Asec. Arnel de Mesa said Friday.
During the “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” public briefing, De Mesa was asked about a report that an NFA official had instructed employees not to provide pertinent information and documents to the Ombudsman.
“Administrator Larry Lacson promised that all documents would be provided promptly, and all individuals who need to be interviewed will be interviewed,” De Mesa said.
“He assured that there are no hidden documents in the NFA, and they are fully cooperating with the Office of the Ombudsman,” said.
De Mesa added that during their conversation, Lacson did not mention any official giving such an order.
The Ombudsman has suspended more than 100 NFA officials and employees over the allegedly anomalous sale of rice buffer stock, which serves as the country’s reserve for emergencies.