Chiz lauds DA’s blacklisting initiative
SEN. Francis “Chiz” Escudero welcomed the creation of a blacklisting committee in the Department of Agriculture (DA), saying the latest action made by Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. goes well with the anti-corruption campaign and other reforms he is initiating in the organization.
The legislator expressed confidence in the leadership of Laurel to clean up the department and implement reforms for the benefit of the agriculture sector, especially the farmers.
“Matagal ko nang kilala si Secretary Laurel at hindi magnanakaw ‘yan. Hindi rin ‘yan madaling madala ika nga sa pananakot o anumang uri ng panloloko,” Escudero pointed out.
Laurel has designated DA Legal Service Director Willie Ann Angsiy and Procurement Division Chief Melinda Deyto as chair and vice chair, respectively, of the blacklisting committee.
He also appointed DA Internal Audit Service Director Christopher Bañas to be a member of the committee, which was given 30 days from the receipt of complaints against alleged offenders to issue a resolution containing its findings and recommendations.
Escudero expressed his full support for Laurel’s decision to initiate organizational changes in DA just two months after President Marcos appointed him.
Laurel announced last Thursday major changes in the department’s leadership, stating that the reorganization is intended to align the DA more closely with the President’s directives to enhance operations.
“Iyong kanyang revamp na ginagawa sa Department of Agriculture suportado ko rin dahil tulad ng sinumang bagong pasok na head of agency dapat mabigyan natin ng kalayaan na makapili at piliin kung sino ‘yong mapagkakatiwalaan niya at maasahan niyang gumawa ng trabahong nais niyang makita sa kaniyang kagawaran,” Escudero stressed.
The senator revealed that during the Senate deliberation on the proposed P167.5 billion budget of the DA and its agencies, he proposed an additional P25 billion budget for the agriculture sector, which was eventually adopted by the chamber.
