Agriculture Secretary Recommends Donating Seized Vietnamese Rice to DSWD
What happened
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. opposed auctioning a shipment of seized Vietnamese rice, recommending instead that it be donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for distribution to needy families. The shipment, which consists of 12,480 metric tons of 5 percent broken DT8 rice, was seized after the Department of Agriculture canceled its sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance due to adverse information. The vessel arrived at the Port of Davao on September 14.
From tribune.net.ph
Why it matters
The recommendation changes the disposition of a large volume of seized agricultural goods. Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that auctioning the rice could allow those involved in the questionable importation to profit. He also rejected the proposal to place the rice under the National Food Authority, citing concerns about the perception of collusion.
From tribune.net.ph
Who's involved
- Department of Social Welfare and DevelopmentRecommended the seized rice be donated for distribution to needy families.
- Department of AgricultureCanceled the import clearance for the seized rice shipment.
- National Food AuthorityWas explicitly rejected from handling the seized rice shipment.
Who could feel it
Possible knock-on effectsThese are possibilities Brind reasoned out, not predictions, and not advice. Most are not stated in any report.
- Department of Social Welfare and DevelopmentSpeculative
Could increase the supply of food aid, potentially lowering distribution costs for needy families.
- Department of AgricultureSpeculative
Could change its operational protocols for seized goods, avoiding costs associated with auction or destruction.