Manila: The Senate Committee on Agriculture will investigate allegations that traders are using fake farmers' cooperatives and repacked imported rice to exploit government procurement privileges under the Sagip Saka Law. In a statement Friday, Senator Francis Pangilinan, who chairs the panel, said the committee is verifying reports that cooperatives certified under the Farmers and Fisherfolk Enterprise Development Information System, or FFEDIS, are being used to gain access to negotiated direct procurement intended for legitimate agricultural groups.

According to Philippines News Agency, the committee is coordinating with the Department of Agriculture and other concerned agencies to determine the extent of the alleged abuse and identify those who may be held accountable. A hearing on the full implementation of the Sagip Saka Law is scheduled on July 16 pursuant to Senate Resolution 9 filed by Pangilinan.

Among the issues to be examined are reports that some traders allegedly created or used bogus cooperatives to qualify for direct government transactions. The committee will also look into allegations that imported rice is being repacked and passed off as locally produced before being sold through transactions covered by the law.

The inquiry is expected to focus on tightening safeguards, improving verification of accredited groups, and protecting government procurement from entities that falsely present themselves as farmers' organizations. 'Ang Sagip Saka Law ay para sa mga tunay na nagtatanim, umaani, at pumapalaot (The Sagip Saka Law is for those who truly plant, harvest, and go out to sea)," Pangilinan said.

The senator said farmers and fisherfolk already facing threats from an approaching typhoon should not also suffer from corruption and schemes that divert opportunities meant for their livelihoods.