Ex-DA secretary Alcala pleads not guilty in 'garlic cartel' graft case | Inquirer News

Ex-DA secretary Alcala pleads not guilty in ‘garlic cartel’ graft case

/ 10:14 AM May 24, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso Alcala has pleaded not guilty in a graft case filed against him before the Sandiganbayan over his alleged involvement in a scheme that created a “garlic cartel” that monopolized the market and jacked up garlic prices from 2013 to 2014.

Alcala and his co- accused in this case were present during the arraignment at the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division.

Alcala, who served as DA chief who under then President Benigno Aquino, is being accused of violating Section 3 of Republic Act 3019 or the Anti Graft and Corrupt Practices Act when he and other Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) officials granted 8,810 import permits to garlic dealers.

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Of all the permits, 5,022 were given to the Vendors Association of the Philippines Inc. (Vieva), headed by a certain Lilia Cruz — whom Alcala supposedly placed as chairperson of the National Garlic Action Team (NGAT).

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The Office of the Ombudsman indicted Alcala and others over these accusations, as it allowed Cruz to control the prices of garlic and its importation.

READ: Former Agriculture Secretary Alcala, 23 others face graft trial

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In April 22, Alcala posted a P30,000 bail for his provisional liberty. (Editor: Mike U. Frialde)

READ: Ex-Agriculture Secretary Alcala posts bail for graft

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TAGS: Graft

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