Duterte orders Evasco’s removal from NFA Council

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday ordered the removal of Cabinet Secretary Leoncio Evasco Jr. from the 18-member National Food Authority Council, as well as the return of the grains agency under the control of the Department of Agriculture.

The revamp of the Council, which was chaired by Evasco, came amid the reported disagreement between Evasco and NFA administrator Jason Aquino over the plan to import rice following depletion of stocks.

According to a report by The STAR, Duterte made the decision during a meeting with Cabinet officials and industry stakeholders at the Malacañan Palace. An official announcement is set to be made by presidential spokesman Harry Roque.

Cabinet Secretary Jun Evasco has been removed from the NFA Council. NFA @bigas_NFA to be reverted back to the Department of Agriculture, as decided by President Duterte last night during a meeting with Cabinet officials and industry stakeholders @PhilippineStar @PhilstarNews

— Maureen Simeon (@maureensimeon) April 16, 2018

Aside from Evasco’s office, the Development Bank of the Philippines, or DBP, was also told to exit the Council while the Social Welfare department will join the NFA’s policymaking body, The STAR reported.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Coconut Authority and the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority were also transferred back to the Agriculture department. The National Irrigation Administration's status, however, will be determined by a Senate bill.

The NFA Council is different from the NFA management, which makes recommendations to the Council on procurement operations, among others. The two offices were formed under Presidential Decree No. 1770.

The NFA Council is composed of officials from the central bank and the trade, finance and socioeconomic planning departments, among others. The DA originally holds power over the NFA.