Expect the House of Representatives to continue its investigation on the agricultural hoarding issue for several weeks more.
This is all thanks to "Sibuyas Queen (Onion Queen)" Lilia Cruz, alias Leah Cruz, who according to Cavite 4th district Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. is mostly likely an "embedded" personality in agencies such as the Department of Agriculture (DA).
The House Committee on Agriculture and Food, which has been conducting the motu propio probe in aid of legislation, is expected to take a deeper dive into these agencies to see the roots of Cruz's connections.
"Sa tingin ko hindi makakaya yan ng tatlo o apat na hearing eh (I don't three or four hearings will be enough)," Barzaga said.
"Kasi talagang kinakailangang malalim ang imbetigasyon, kasi ang pinapaliwanag nga natin, at alam naman ng ating mga kababayan, 2014, nagkaroon na kami ng investigation kay Leah Cruz. Walong taon na ang nakakaraan (Because we need a thorough investigation, what we're saying and what the public knows is that back in 2014, we already had an investigation on Leah Cruz)," he said.
"Nagkaroon na ng mga pagbabago sa ating mga opisyales sa DA at saka sa BPI (Bureau of Plant Industry). Pero bakit ang lumalabas ngayon, andun pa rin siya. Sa madaling sabi, parang embedded na ang kaniyang connection (The officials of the DA and BPI have since been replaced. But as it turns out, she's still there. In other words, her connections seem to be embedded there)," reckoned Barzaga.
The agriculture and food panel is currently investigating the alleged hoarding of agricultural products--particularly onions--that have triggered huge price spikes among such products. During the course of the probe, it was learned that Cruz--a self-described agri-preneur--has been linked to the shortage of garlic several years ago.
Barzaga, one of the active soolos in the probe, elieves Cruz may also have connections with cold storage facilities, which play a key part in stifling supply of the agricultural goods.
"Aminado naman sila mamimili si Leah Cruz sa mga farmers, bibilhin sa murang halaga, ipapasok sa mga cold storage pagkatapos ilalabas na lamang kung saka-sakaling mataas na ang presyo sa merkado. Ganun kasimple ang operasyon ( They've confirmed during the probe that Leah Cruz buys the farmers' harvest at a low price; afterward, the produce is kept in cold storage and then unloaded once market prices go up. That's how simple the operation is)," he explained.
"Pagkatapos ito namang BPI up to now, ay hindi namin makuha ang eksaktong volume at saka kung sino ang mga nag-apply sa kanila (And then this BPI, up to now we can't get from them the exact volume and the personalities who seek application from them)," he said.
The House panel will hold its fourth hearing on the hoarding issue on Tuesday, March 7. Cruz, who skipped the previous hearing last Feb. 27, is expected to attend. Otherwise, she runs the risk of being cited for contempt, Barzaga said.