NFA probes diversion of government rice in Samar

published January 10, 2009 in Leyte Samar Daily Express and BusinessWorld

PALO, LEYTE — The National Food Authority (NFA) is looking into allegations that a Tindahan Natin outlet in Catarman, Northern Samar has diverted government rice and sold these to local traders instead of the intended beneficiaries.

NFA regional manager Benjamin Marta said he instructed their provincial office in Northern Samar to look into the complaint made by a concerned citizen there. If the outlet operator is found guilty, his accreditation will be cancelled.

The concerned citizen wrote the NFA alleging that the Tindahan Natin outlet sells NFA rice at P19 per kilo, 75 centavos higher than the mandated P18.25 per kilo. The complainant also alleged that the operator sells NFA rice to local businessmen at P1,100 to P1,200 per sack. The traders sell the rice to consumers at P25 per kilo, the price of commercial-grade government rice.

"If we cancel accreditation, it is not the store owner who will suffer but the people who buy the rice because they will be deprived of their right to buy cheaper rice," Mr. Marta said.

NFA sells rice to retailers at P16.75 per kilo while accredited retailers are allowed to sell it at P18.25 per kilo. — Sarwell Q. Meniano