The Senate inquiry into the second sugar import scandal under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was suspended Monday as Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban and other key officials did not show up at the hearing.
Absence explained
He particularly called out the “glaring absence” of Panganiban, who is at the center of this sugar fiasco probe.According to Bersamin, Neda chief Balisacan is in Vancouver, Canada for a scheduled trip until May 11, and DTI head Pascual is in Indonesia for a ministerial conference and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit also until May 11.
Tolentino later noted that Alba had submitted a letter expressing regrets for not being able to attend the hearing since he is in Australia until June “for personal reasons.”While the legislator thanked Bersamin for his presence before the panel, he said: “Hindi namin mahahalukay iyong nilalaman nito kung wala iyong nabanggit ko. They are vital to the investigation that this committee will be undertaking. Mahihirapan siguro tayong tumuloy kung wala sila.
“I think so,” Bersamin said. “The Undersecretary of Agriculture will be in Washington until May 13. If we could schedule his appearance after that, he will be available. As for Secretary Pascual and Secretary Balisacan, I think the same is true for them. The Executive Secretary will always be at your disposal.”
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
WATCH: Angelica Panganiban's take on breakups will make you bawl and reflectAngelica Panganiban has been the subject of several headlines in the past few months. This began after photos of Carlo Aquino, who she was allegedly dating again after starring in Exes Baggage, surfaced where he was on vacation with another woman.
Read more »
Senate resumes session on Monday: 'Maharlika Fund,' minimum wage hike top senators' agenda—ZubiriSenate President Juan Miguel 'Migz' Zubiri said the Senate will start deliberations on the various bills seeking to increase the daily minimum wage of Filipino workers, and pursue passage of the measure seeking to establish the Maharlika Investment Fund (MIF), a priority legislation of the Marcos administration, when it resumes session on Monday, May 8.
Read more »
EastWest Ageas Insurance president and CEO talks about financial certainty in the future | BMPlusSjoerd Smeets, President and CEO of EastWest Ageas Insurance, spoke at his first local media roundtable on April 28 about the company's goal of protecting more Filipinos and becoming a stronger participant in the sector. He emphasized the necessity of giving Filipinos financial security and how the organization commits to…
Read more »
Bongbong Marcos becomes 1st PH president to attend UK coronationICYMI: President Marcos will become the first incumbent Philippine President to attend a coronation of a monarch of the United Kingdom when King Charles III is enthroned at Westminster Abbey in London.
Read more »
Minimum wage hike bill might dissuade Pinoys from working abroad –ZubiriSenate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday said the proposed minimum wage hike bill could dissuade Filipinos from working abroad and going to dangerous places for a bigger salary.
Read more »
MIF now a priority admin billSenate commits to pass the measure before June sine die break President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared the Maharlika Investment
Read more »