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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'High probability' House panel will push for cases vs individuals in onion probe

'High probability' House panel will push for cases vs individuals in onion probe

Published May 17, 2023 09:38 pm
Quezon 1st district Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga


House Committee on Agriculture and Food Chairman Quezon 1st district Rep. Wilfrido Mark Enverga says there's a "high probability" that the panel would recommend the filing of charges against some "personalities" in connection with the onion price surge late last year. This, as the committee seemingly wrapped up its three-month investigation on the onion issue, which was believed to have been precipitated by agricultural hoarding and price manipulation. "Well we will have to review all details ano, that were discussed through the hearings to reassess if fhere will be cases filed," Enverga said early Wednesday evening, May 17 following the conclusion of a committee hearing. "But so far, could be, there's a high probability that there would be personalities to be charged in the committee report," he said. The committee launched its motu proprio probe on the issue in early February. Before this, House Speaker Martin Romualdez had demanded answers from government agencies on the cause of the spike in onion prices, which reached over P700 a kilo. The hearings led to the "grilling" of agency officials, mostly from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and its attached agency, the Bureau of Plants Industry (BPI). Asked if the cases the panel will recommend will include a cartel, Enverga said: "Ang cartel kasi would exist only if there is also support from the government eh. The connivance should be present for a cartel also to exist." "That's my own opinion ano. But of course, again, it's all up to the members of the committee. I may recommended that, but of course, if they decide na it does not warrant the filing of case then we will respect...the will of the majority," he said.

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