Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 24) — Two Senate leaders said they want President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to lay out his plans for the agriculture sector during the latter’s second state of the nation address on Monday amid issues that are still hounding the industry and its stakeholders.
“Today, I’m looking forward to listening to his plans for the future, particularly this year in the field of agriculture, being the secretary of agriculture,” Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri told CNN Philippines’ The Source on Monday.
Zubiri also said that he hopes the government will increase assistance to farmers and fisherfolk, and implement programs that will increase their production, including those who produce beef, pork, and chicken.
READ: From soaring prices to resignations: PH agriculture during Marcos’ first year
Meanwhile, Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said he wants the president to reveal what is the real state of the agriculture sector as agriculture chief.
Pimentel said he also wants to know what efforts have been implemented to boost food production and control the prices of agricultural products, like onions.
Per kilo prices of onions soared to as much as ₱800 in December 2022 due to dwindling supply, coupled with smuggling and price manipulation by cartels.
It will also be vital for Marcos to mention the government’s program in minimizing or avoiding over dependence on imported food items, Pimentel added.
“If the president could explain why less than 1 year into his admin, why we had two controversies or scandals involving sugar, specifically the importation of sugar. Kaya tayo balik nang balik sa (This is why we keep coming back to) importation, eh. That’s why there must be a plan on how we reduce dependence on imported food items,” he pointed out.
Last year, lawmakers investigated the signing of the controversial Sugar Order no. 4 that allowed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of the sweetener. The issue led to the resignation of some officials.
Another issue raised was the alleged government-sponsored smuggling of sugar ahead of the effectivity of SO No. 6 that permitted the entry of 440,000 metric tons of the commodity.
When asked if Marcos should remain as Department of Agriculture (DA) secretary, Pimentel said: “That one I think that’s a wrong decision eh or a wrong strategy.”
If the chief executive will appoint a DA chief, another person can help him implement his programs, the senator said.
Moreover, nothing prevents Marcos from still focusing on issues and matters related to the sector if he wants his administration to be known as an agricultural presidency, Pimentel added.
