Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Friday he is prepared to take legal action against individuals spreading false or misleading claims about the Department of Agriculture (DA).
This develops following Tiu Laurel’s filing of a cyber libel case Thursday against lawyer Levito Baligod and former congressman Rizaldy Co. over what he described as malicious allegations against the agency. He said the move should serve as a warning to others making baseless accusations.
While acknowledging the importance of public scrutiny, the DA chief stressed that criticisms must be based on facts. He said false claims that mislead the public and damage institutions may face legal consequences.
The secretary also rejected recent allegations from an unnamed farmers’ group criticizing efforts by Food Terminal Inc. and Planters Products Inc. to provide more affordable rice. He described the claims as inaccurate and said the DA is considering legal steps to address them.
Tiu Laurel questioned the group’s credibility, noting that its statement was unsigned and based on unverified information.
The DA has been pushing measures to stabilize rice prices, including tapping state-linked firms to offer cheaper options amid rising inflation and higher oil prices.
The secretary’s remarks signal a tougher stance by the agency against misinformation as it works to maintain public trust during ongoing concerns over food prices and supply.
