Outgoing Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Wiliam Dar said that the “agricultural smugglers or protectors” tagged in a Senate report must be given a chance to face their accusers. 

Dar said in a Viber message that the officials listed in the intelligence report submitted to Senate President Vicente Sotto III must be able to defend themselves.

“Let the three officials named in the report be given a chance to face their accusers, and defend themselves in the proper forum,” Dar said.

Dar issued the statement following the disclosure of the list in the Senate Committee Report 649 of the Senate Committee of the Whole. 

Undersecretary Ariel Cayanan, Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director George Culaste, and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Director Eduardo Gongona, among others, were on the list.

Sotto earlier said that he submitted the list to incoming agricultural chief and President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.

Sotto expressed hope that the smuggling and corruption issue will be immediately addressed as Marcos will head the agricultural department.

Photo Credit: Philippine News Agency