Rigoberto Tiglao’s claim that $390 million or P16.6 billion worth of rice was smuggled from Vietnam is wrong. It is meant to justify a predetermined conclusion that “Rice smuggling explodes under Aquino” (Inquirer, 12/20/12). Citing International Monetary Fund trade statistics between the Philippines and Vietnam during President Aquino’s first two years in office, Tiglao anchored [...]
Despite former National Food Authority Administrator Angelito Banayo’s claims of a tuwid na daan policy during his watch, International Monetary Fund trade figures show that rice smuggling in the Aquino administration’s first two years—abetted by the NFA head himself, witnesses recently alleged in the Senate—has exploded to unprecedented levels, estimated at over P16.6 billion worth during this period.
Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon excluded for possible distribution to flood victims some 21 million kilos (420,000 bags) of “smuggled Indian rice” in conformity with the Senate’s freeze order and pending appeals from the shipper’s representatives.
