‘Over eager’ DA official resigns amidst sugar import order scandal
It was Rodriguez who ‘alerted’ PBBM— Press Secretary Angeles
THE official behind the controversial and “illegal” order on behalf of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. authorizing the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar, has resigned, according to Malacañang.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles, in a media briefing last August 12, 2022, said newly-appointed agriculture undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian, tendered his resignation to PBBM a day earlier, August 11, 2022.
Sebastian was under fire after approving ‘Sugar Order No. 4’ on behalf of the Chief Executive, who is the concurrent secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) with Sebastian as his chief of staff and senior undersecretary.
On August 10, 2022, the day SO-4 was released, Angeles, a lawyer, said the order was “illegal” as PBBM, in his capacity as chair of the Sugar Regulatory Board of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRB-SRA) was convened by Sebastian without Marcos’ consent and approval.
Angeles also made clear that it was none other than Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez, who called the President’s attention about the questionable meeting of the SRB.
She added an investigation of the incident has been ordered by PBBM.
“I sincerely apologize, Your Excellency, for my having approved Sugar Order No. 4 on your behalf and through the authority you had vested in me…
“I take accountability and responsibility for its consequences,” reads part of Sebastian’s resignation letter.
Aside from Sebastian, another signatory to the order, Atty. Roland Beltran, a holdover member of the SRB from the Duterte administration, also penned his resignation letter addressed to Rodriguez on Sunday, August 14, 2022, citing “health reasons.”
Beltran assured Rodriguez that his resignation is without prejudice to the investigation related to Sugar Order No. 4.
Aside from the Palace probe, both chambers of Congress also announced their respective intention to investigate the scandal.
But even this early, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the next best thing for all those involved behind the order is for them to resign.
