Senator Risa Hontiveros urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday to appoint a “competent” and “full-time” Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary who would handle the problems the agency is currently facing and address the impending sugar crisis.

In a statement, Hontiveros said Marcos should reconsider his position and appoint a competent official who “would take charge, end the controversies in the department, and focus on helping farmers and ensuring adequate food supply in the country.”

Marcos is the concurrent agriculture chief and chairman of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Board.

The Senator noted that the fiasco with the SRA is just “the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the chaotic organization and operation of the DA.”

To recall, DA Agriculture Chief Leocadio Sebastian and SRA board members illegally signed Sugar no. 4 which authorized the import of 300 metric tons of sugar without the approval of Marcos.

The DA Chief and three SRA board members have already rendered their resignations.

Hontiveros also pointed out that amid the rising prices of sugar and other food and products that burden the Filipinos, Marcos who also has other responsibilities is not capable of handling these.

“Hindi pwedeng part-time job ang pagtutok sa krisis na ito. Kailangan natin ng magaling at maayos na Secretary sa DA na full-time na tutulong sa mga magsasaka at konsumer,” Hontiveros pointed out.

Marcos announced on Wednesday that SRA will undergo a reorganization and it could be finished by the end of the week.