Former NFA head not yet off the hook, says De Lima

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—He may have resigned, but former National Food Authority Administrator Arthur Juan is not off the hook yet.

The National Bureau of Investigation will continue its investigation into extortion charges that Bulacan rice trader Jomerito Soliman has filed against Juan, Justice Secretary Leila de Lima said.

She said Juan, who resigned Thursday for health reasons, could still be held criminally liable if probable cause is found against him.

“NBI’s probe into the alleged extortion continues despite such resignation. The NBI will still submit its final report with recommendations in due time,” De Lima said.

“Remember that the act complained of or as alleged by Mr. Soliman, if verified to be true, constitutes a criminal offense. Hence, resignation of the alleged perpetrator would not serve to exculpate him from criminal liability,” De Lima said in a brief statement late Friday.

Soliman has accused Juan of demanding P15 million in exchange for dropping charges against him and allowing him reopen his rice mill following a raid.

Juan tendered his irrevocable resignation on Thursday due to failing health, said Presidential Adviser on Food Security Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan. Pangilinan, who rejected Juan’s attempt to resign on August 15, said he still believed in the former NFA chief’s innocence.

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