A power struggle is currently brewing in nine regional offices of the National Food Authority (NFA) as nine suspended regional directors contest their reassignment to lower positions.
The directors, suspended for six months due to their involvement in an investigation into a rice scam, are now challenging the changes implemented during their suspension.
These nine regional directors were among 139 officials and employees suspended by the Ombudsman in March following an investigation into the alleged scam, where large quantities of rice were sold at a loss to certain traders.
In a 15-page protest letter, the suspended directors voiced their strong objection to a special order issued by NFA Acting Administrator Larry Lacson. The order assigns them to assistant roles under the current Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Regional Directors.
This reassignment has caused confusion among NFA employees, who are uncertain which officials to follow. Some employees reported difficulty adjusting to the changes in leadership, particularly in Region 4, where former Regional Director Alwin Uy has attempted to take over his previous post, currently held by Acting RD Atty. Marco Callanta.
According to sources from DZRH News, Uy even threatened to file insubordination charges against employees who refused to comply with his directives.
The rice scam, initially exposed by DZRH, involved NFA officials selling significant stocks of rice at a loss, allegedly in collusion with two traders.
As of now, Lacson has yet to respond to the protest letter.
