‘Onion Queen’ fails to impress lawmakers

TWO members of the House of Representatives confronted were left unconvinced by statements given by a businesswoman (‘agri-preneur) on her alleged involvement in the hoarding of the country’s onion supply and deliberate effort not to pay local farmers thru the issuance of checks that eventually bounced for lack of funds.

At a hearing of the House Committee on Agriculture last February 14, 2023, Lilia Cruz, tagged as the country’s ‘Onion (‘Sibuyas’) Queen,’ suddenly contracted ‘amnesia’ on being asked on the 30 checks that she issued to Nueva Ecija farmers by Sagip Partylist Rep. Rodante Marcoleta.

Marcoleta told Cruz that he had a copy of checks she issued or by her agent to farmers belonging to the ‘Katipunan ng mga Samahan ng mga Magsisibuyas ng Nueva Ecija’ (KISANME) from 2014-2016.

Cruz, a self-described agri-preneur, confirmed to the committee that she had made transactions with farmers of KISANME. It was the second appearance of Cruz as a resource person in the panel inquiry.

But when Marcoleta pressed Cruz on the issue of the bouncing checks, the latter changed tactics and chose to not give any details.

“I invoke my right to remain silent your honor,” she said.

“Bakit ganun ka makipag-negosyo sa kanila? Kawawa ang mga farmers kakasangkapanin niyo sila…iisyuhan mo ng tseke tapos tatalbog,” Marcoleta said.

Cruz–whose name has been implicated in the alleged smuggling and hoarding of onions and garlic throughout the years–answered by saying that she had already “settled” the declined checks.

Marcoleta chided Cruz for invoking her right to remain silent on such a question, especially if she had nothing to hide.

The agri-preneur apologized to the panel, saying she could no longer recall some of the things the solons have been asking.

For her part, Nueva Ecija 3rd district Rep. Ria Vergara, chair of the House Committee on Social Services, voiced her conclusion that Cruz was lying. “I think you’re really lying,” said the solon.

This, after Cruz and another resource person, Jojo Celestino, denied personally knowing each other, a claim Vergara said she could not believe.

In the past, Celestino allegedly served as Cruz’s agent for buying garlic also from Nueva Ecija farmers.

Vergara sought from the panel the minutes of a Senate inquiry back in 2015 tackling the shortage of garlic supply wherein Cruz was also implicated.

“I’m sorry to say, I think you’re really lying…Mr. Chair I’m sure the Senate records will show that they know each other,” Vergara said, referring to Cruz and Celestino.