Philippine officials suspended over rice scandal
The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the preventive suspension of the National Food Authority (NFA) head and 138 other officials and employees for their alleged involvement in a sale of rice buffer stocks, Philippine Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel said on March 4.
The Philippines has grappled with high rice prices. (Photo: rappler.com)Minister Laurel said the suspension started on March 4 while an investigation is underway on the accusations.
An NFA official has accused several agency executives of improperly disposing of rice buffer stocks without bidding, and at a price allegedly disadvantageous to the government. The NFA executives deny any impropriety, affirming the sale followed procedures.
The controversy erupted as the Philippines grappled with high rice prices. The country has struggled to lower the rice prices despite an ample supply of the national staple.
Rice prices rose 22.6% in January from 19.6% in December 2023, the highest since March 2009 - the time when rice inflation hit 22.9%./.
You should also see
10th anniversary of UNESCO's recognition of Trang An as world natural and cultural heritage marked
A ceremony was held in the northern province of Ninh Binh on April 26 evening to celebrate the 10th anniversary of UNESCO's recognition of Trang An Landscape Complex as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage Site.
See more
World
Vietnam appeals for maximum self-restraint, end to hostilities in Middle East
A representative of Vietnam appealed to all the parties concerned to exercise maximum self-restraint and to end hostilities, while addressing a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) open debate on the Middle East and Palestine situation on March 25.
World
Indonesia’s coffee exports surpass imports
Indonesia’s coffee exports have surpassed imports for 47 consecutive months since May 2020, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) has reported.
World
Thailand expects wave of tourists during Golden Week
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) estimates that about 996,000 foreign tourists will visit the Southeast Asian country between April 26 and May 5, known as the Golden Week holidays in Japan, during which Chinese tourists also prefer to travel overseas.
World
Argentinian media praises Dien Bien Phu Victory
Argentinian newspapers have called Vietnam's Dien Bien Phu Victory (May 7, 1954) a symbol of the national liberation movement of oppressed and colonialised peoples worldwide.
World
Laos speeds up granting licences to foreign workers
Laos's Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare plans to issue visas to illegal foreign workers and extend permits to legal ones so that they can continue to work in the country.
