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Groups to protest appointment of Laurel as DA chief

Philippines | National

Groups to protest appointment of Laurel as DA chief

By Jel Santos

(MB PHOTO/NOEL PABALATE)

Various groups, consisting of farmers, fisherfolk, and food security advocates, will picket in front of the Department of Agriculture (DA) central office in Quezon City on Monday, Nov. 6, to protest the appointment of fishing tycoon Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr. as the agency's new secretary.

On. Nov. 3, President Marcos stepped down as secretary of the DA and appointed Laurel as the chief of the DA. Citing Laurel's considerable expertise in the fishing business, the Chief Executive said that he is confident that he has found someone who understands the agriculture sector.

In a statement, the groups said that the appointment of Laurel as DA chief has many red flags.

“First, he is a tycoon from a global food conglomerate; second, he was a known campaign donor who contributed P50 million to Bongbong's campaign; and three, he's linked to too many self-serving economic agenda and we are not at all convinced that he has divested all his business and corporate interests,” they stated.

The groups said that they are concerned that the new DA chief will simply push for more liberalization of domestic food production and agriculture.

"Hindi dapat ginagawang pampulitikang pabor ang pusisyon na DA Secretary na ibinigay lang sa isang malaking negosyante sa agri-fisheries. The DA secretary position is crucial in this period of never-ending food inflation and impoverishment of farmers and fishers (The position of DA Secretary should not be made a political favor given only to a big businessman in agri-fisheries. The DA secretary position is crucial in this period of never-ending food inflation and impoverishment of farmers and fishermen),” they said.

The groups joining the protest are Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), AMIHAN, fishers group Pamalakaya, and UMA.

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