SEN. MARCOS CALLS THOROUGH 

PROBE OF RICE-DUMPING IN LEYTE

 Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos treated one and all to a sample of his culinary skills as he stir-fried beef that had been marinated with “Imeldifique” made with all Ilocano ingredients during the launch on Tuesday, December 1 of the first Ilocano cooking wine.  Watching Senator Marcos whip up his dish are Destileria Limtuaco & Co., Inc.’s President, Olivia Limpe-Aw, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, Heny Sison and Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano. Also present during the launch at Victorino’s, an Ilocano restaurant in Quezon City  where various dishes using “Imeldifique” cooking wine was served were Ilocos Norte 2nd District Congresswoman Imelda R. Marcos and former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit Singson.

Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. this Week called for a thorough investigation into the reported dumping of hundreds of sacks of rice in a deep pit found in a remote village of Dagami town,  Leyte.

 “Various reports said the sacks of rice found in the pit bore markings of National Food Authority (NFA) but there were also plastic bags marked with DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) in the same pit.”

 “Wasting rice is disgusting enough but if it turns out that these are relief goods, then it’s even more appalling. Somebody should answer for this,” Marcos asserted.

 “This could be part of the relief goods intended for the victims of super-typhoon Yolanda!”

 The rice dumping is suspicious at the very least, according to Marcos, noting that the NFA had earlier announced that spoiled rice may still be used as animal feed.

 “I’ll await the findings of the concerned agencies and local authorities but if I’m not satisfied, we will dig deeper into this matter,” he added.

 Earlier, Marcos lamented the slow pace of the government’s rehabilitation efforts in areas hardest hit by super-typhoon Yolanda despite billions of pesos allocated in the budget and from international donors./MP