Ombudsman Samuel Martires has clarified that he did not label the Department of Agriculture (DA) or its attached agency, the National Food Authority (NFA), as the most corrupt government entities. Martires said that his earlier remarks had been taken out of context.
In an interview, Martires acknowledged the efforts of DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, who has enhanced the department’s enforcement capabilities, leading to the seizure of smuggled agricultural goods. Martires emphasized that, while certain DA agencies are under investigation, they are not being singled out as the most corrupt.
Secretary Tiu Laurel welcomed the clarification, reinforcing that his administration has worked diligently to root out corruption since his appointment in November 2023. He highlighted the preventive suspensions of 139 NFA officials linked to rice buffer stock sales and the restructuring of the NFA leadership.
Under Laurel’s leadership, the DA has seized billions of pesos in smuggled goods and implemented stricter measures against unscrupulous importers. He also underscored ongoing reforms to stabilize market prices and combat smuggling, aiming to protect local farmers and public health.
The clarifications come at a critical time when the DA continues to navigate reforms and address corruption within its ranks, bolstering public trust and institutional integrity.
