DA readies unscrupulous traders blacklist

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has formed a blacklisting committee to strengthen the government’s drive against unscrupulous manufacturers, suppliers, contractors, consultants and hoarders of agricultural products.

Laurel issued Special Order 11 creating the blacklisting committee, which coincided with an ongoing DA revamp.

“In the interest of the service and to ensure the proper conduct of investigations related to the complaints involving the commission of offenses or violations during competitive bidding and contract implementation by manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, contractors and consultants, in accordance with Republic Act No. 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act… a blacklisting committee is hereby created which shall serve as the central blacklisting body of the Department of Agriculture (DA),” he said. Laurel 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.

Laurel added that under SO 11, the blacklisting committee is tasked to evaluate complaints initiated by the bids and awards committee and verify the grounds for blacklisting.

The committee will also “gather facts and evidence or take testimony to ascertain the truthfulness of the allegations in complaints, summon parties to hearing where it may examine further documentary evidence, receive verbal testimony and propound questions to the witnesses that may be presented, determine if reasonable cause exists to recommend the issuance of suspension or withdrawal of the respondent-contractor and the forfeiture of bid security.”

Laurel gave the blacklisting committee 30 days from the receipt of complaints to issue a resolution containing its findings and recommendations.

Lawmakers have questioned the failure of the Bureau of Plant Industry to blacklist importers allegedly involved in hoarding and manipulation of agricultural products.

Meanwhile, Benguet farmers yesterday called on the DA to