Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan said he is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other government agencies to verify allegations of abuse involving government-certified cooperatives under the Sagip Saka Law.
In a statement, Pangilinan said that if the allegations are proven true, they would constitute a serious violation of Republic Act No. 11321 and a grave injustice to Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.
The Senate Committee on Agriculture is set to hold a hearing on July 16 to examine the implementation of the Sagip Saka Law.
Among the issues to be discussed are reports that some traders have allegedly been using or creating fake farmers’ cooperatives to qualify for negotiated direct procurement under the law.
The committee will also investigate allegations that imported rice has been repackaged and falsely marketed as locally produced through transactions conducted under the Sagip Saka Law.
Pangilinan stressed that the Sagip Saka Law was enacted to benefit genuine farmers and fisherfolk—not those who exploit their hard work for personal gain.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Kiko Pangilinan)
