Thursday, May 08, 2008 Arroyo wants speedy prosecution of rice hoarding cases
PRESIDENT Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo made surprise visits to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to stress her desire for the speedy prosecution of cases against suspected rice hoarders and their cohorts at the National Food Authority (NFA).
Donning a violet suit, Arroyo arrived at the NBI headquarters at 1:35 p.m. Wednesday where she held a closed-door meeting with NBI officials involved in the task force against rice hoarding for about 30 minutes. She then proceeded to the office of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr. to check on the progress of the cases undergoing preliminary investigation.
At the DOJ meeting, NBI officials joined Arroyo and Gonzalez for a brief command conference, wherein officials were told anew to expedite the resolution of these cases.
Gonzalez admitted that even he was caught by surprise by the President's visit. He said the President was expected to visit the DOJ on Friday as the suspected rice hoarders are set to file their counter-affidavits on Thursday.
"I talked to her when she was at the NBI but I did not ask her whether she was coming (to the DOJ) because I know she is supposed to come tomorrow (Thursday) or in fact, on Friday. But according to the security, she went to Navotas and on the way to Malacañang, she decided to come here. She is really interested in the movement of rice at this point and the progress of cases," Gonzalez said.
The DOJ chief said the President was insistent in prosecuting those who tried to manipulate the price of rice by making it appear that there is a shortage in the staple in the market.
"She (President) wants to prosecute those who violate and file charges against them. She is asking me when will be the deadline be on these cases. Some of the deadline will be tomorrow, the filing of counter affidavits," he added.
According to Gonzalez, the President conferred with him as there were some conflicting instructions issued by Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap to the NBI.
Gonzalez suggested that to resolve these conflicting instructions, the NBI should go after rice traders with no licenses first before going after the alleged rice hoarders.
"My suggestion to the President is we prosecute first in no license because there is also danger if you prosecute the hoarder immediately. They might dispose of the stock and we will no longer have evidence," he said.
Last week, the President ordered the DOJ's Anti-Rice Hoarding Task Force (ARHTF) to speed up on their anti-rice hoarding drive. The ARHTF has so far inspected 128 warehouses of rice traders and millers nationwide. (ECV/Sunnex)
