Ombudsman looks into agriculture chief’s links to garlic cartel

The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala and several other officials of the Bureau of Plant Industry for their alleged involvement in the garlic cartel scam. Its Field Investigation Office said in its complaint that from January to July 2014, an “extraordinary and alarming spike in the prices of garlic as noted,” prompting the justice department to direct the National Bureau of Investigation to investigate possible “profiteering, hoarding and cartel-like activities.” In a January 2015 transmittal letter, the National Bureau of Investigation said it found a group of garlic traders and importers headed by Lilia Cruz, also known as Leah Cruz, monopolized the supply of garlic and dictated market prices. This was made possible by the participation of BPI officials who gave the group and its affiliates numerous importation permits despite the absence of required accreditation. The FIO also
said that, as agriculture secretary, Alcala had direct supervision over the functions of the BPI.

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