Press Release
December 3, 2015

Sen. Marcos Calls For Thorough Probe Of Rice-Dumping In Leyte

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. today called for a thorough investigation into the reported dumping of hundreds of sacks of rice in a deep pit found in a remote village of Dagami town of Leyte province.

"Various reports said the sacks of rice found in the pit bore markings of NFA (National Food Authority) but there were also plastic bags marked with DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) in the same pit."

"Wasting rice is disgusting enough but if it turns out that these are relief goods, then it's even more appalling. Somebody should answer for this," Marcos asserted.

"This could be part of the relief goods intended for the victims of super-typhoon Yolanda!"

The rice dumping is suspicious at the very least, according to Marcos, noting that the NFA had earlier announced that spoiled rice may still be used as animal feed.

"I'll await the findings of the concerned agencies and local authorities but if I'm not satisfied we will dig deeper into this matter," he added.

Earlier, Marcos lamented the slow pace of the government's rehabilitation efforts in areas hardest hit by super-typhoon Yolanda despite billions of pesos allocated in the budget and from international donors.

"What is disgusting is the government's refusal to explain how the funds for Yolanda victims were spent!"

"This government does not feel the need to explain themselves in any way; never mind the tens of thousands that still live in makeshift homes, never mind that people have no jobs or source of livelihood," Marcos concluded.

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