In 2014, an unprecedented surge in garlic prices in the Philippines was attributed to an alleged cartel controlling the garlic supply. Clarito Barron, the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) director is accused of demanding money for the fraudulent issuance of import permits for garlic and is now being investigated by the office of the Ombudsman.
In January last year, the National Bureau of Investigation filed a complaint in the Ombudsman for direct bribery, profiteering, price manipulation, falsification and obstruction of justice against Barron and 126 others, including BPI officials.
“Barron may be held administratively liable as his actions fell short of that stringent standard of conduct demanded from every one connected with the government,” the FIO said.
The Ombudsman said a vegetable trader, which it did not identify, had admitted to having given “grease” money “or payment to secure import permits,” a practice that it said was prevalent at the BPI.
“The witness narrated having gone to the office of Barron in July 2012 and handing him P240,000 in exchange for the release and approval of two import permits, with each permit costing P120,000,” it said.
The FIO also asked Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales to order Barron’s preventive suspension from office until the investigation against him has been concluded.
Barron could be charged for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and face administrative liability for grave misconduct and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
(1 Philippine Peso= 0.021 USD)
Source: newsinfo.inquirer.net
