Resigned Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian has been named as the new DA Undersecretary for Rice Industry Development.
Malacañang released his appointment papers dated February 8 and signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin to the media on Friday.
In the appointment papers, it stated that Sebastian is expected to "lead in the formulation of operational plans for the development of the rice industry."
He will represent the DA on rice matters, such as, but not limited to the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund - Program Steering Committee, Philippine Rice Research Institute Board of Directors, National Food Authority Council, National Irrigation Administration Board of Trustees, and International Rice Research Institute Board of Trustees.
Sebastian is also directed to provide periodic reports to Agriculture chief President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. through the Executive Secretary on the status of the rice industry's development activities.
In August last year, Sebastian tendered resignation after being involved in the controversial Sugar Order no. 4 which authorizes the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.
He earlier admitted that he approved and signed the order on behalf of Marcos as he "cannot stand watching Filipinos suffer from high local prices of sugar."
The Senate Blue Ribbon recommended criminal and administrative charges against Sebastian and three Sugar Board Administration (SRA) board officials.
But the charges were absolved by the Office of the President (OP) last January.
The OP said that there was no evidence that the "respondents were aware of their lack of authority" to issue the order.
