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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Senate Blue Ribbon panel terminates sugar importation probe

Senate Blue Ribbon panel terminates sugar importation probe

Published Sep 6, 2022 03:56 pm

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on Tuesday, September 6 has “adjourned and terminated” its investigation into the controversial Sugar Order No. 4, the botched order that could have authorized the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar into the Philippines.

Senator Francis Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Blue Ribbon panel, announced the termination of the investigation after Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez finally appeared at the hearing after the members of the committee voted to issue a subpoena against him.

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri broached the idea of already concluding the hearings to “hasten the proceedings.”

“I would suggest doing justice to the farmers and stakeholders. Maybe, we can terminate the hearings, come up with a quick resolution of the case, approve it before the break and if these cases are necessary to be filed, let us file them so that they have their day in court,” Zubiri said during the hearing.

“If we feel there is malfeasance, misfeasance, or any violation to the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, let us come up already with the findings and proceed with filing the cases,” the Senate leader stressed.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III agreed on Zubiri’s suggestion saying the committee can come up with one final report.

Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada made the motion to terminate the proceedings while Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa seconded the motion.

“Without objection, the Senate blue ribbon committee hearing relative to the sugar fiasco is hereby adjourned and terminated,” Tolentino said.

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