SENATE deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros yesterday said the Blue Ribbon Committee should secure a copy of a video recording of a supposed hybrid meeting attended by President Marcos Jr, Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, former Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) administrator Hermenegildo Serafica, former SRA board member Aurelio Valderrama, and various stakeholders to verify Serafica’s claim that the President floated the idea of importing 600,000 MT of sugar to the country.
Hontiveros said a copy of the video of the hybrid meeting, allegedly the second meeting held by Marcos and others last August 4, is important so the committee can say in its report if Serafica’s claim is true.
“I seriously hope that the Chair takes a look at the Zoom recording before drafting the partial committee report. Why did the Executive Secretary not mention this during his first appearance in the investigation? It seems that it was not only administrator Serafica who withheld information in the early part of the hearing. This should be included in the committee report,” she said in mixed Filipino and English.
Blue Ribbon chair Sen. Francis Tolentino ended the panel’s inquiry on Tuesday after the third hearing. He said the committee would come out with a report today.
Marcos has rejected Sugar Order No. 4, issued by the SRA in early August, which would have allowed the government to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar. Malacañang has said the order, signed by former Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian on behalf of the President, was unauthorized. Marcos later said he would be amenable to importing a smaller volume, or 150,000 MT, if there is a need.
Hontiveros said “an effective fact-finding process” will need to be complete with facts as she lamented that Tolentino decided to terminate the hearing while “so many details were left hanging.”
“I maintain that there are more questions that need to be asked about this fiasco. Former admin Serafica, as corroborated by former board member Valderrama, offered new information that could help explain why Usec Sebastian proceeded with the sugar order.
This must thoroughly be looked into by the committee and if there is evidence to support the claim, this should also be looked into by the committee. I will look for this in the committee report),” she said.
Rodriguez said he has not given Sebastian “blanket authority,” which the latter knew well.
In fact, he added, Sebastian asked for guidance before making decisions for the department.
During last Tuesday’s hearing, Serafica said Marcos floated the idea of importing 600,000 MT of sugar for the country, which was backed by Valderrama. The allegation was denied by Rodriguez.
Tolentino terminated the hearing after no more questions were asked from Rodriguez.
