BIZ BUZZ: DA underlings told to ‘stay clean’

As Christmas draws near, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has a marching order to his subordinates at the Department of Agriculture (DA): stay focused and “stay clean” amid recent allegations of agricultural smuggling.

“Sariwain ang tunay na diwa ng Pasko—tapat, taos-pusong serbisyo para sa bayan (Let us remember the true spirit of Christmas—honest, sincere service for the people),” Tiu Laurel said during the agency’s flag ceremony on Monday.

Tiu Laurel again refuted allegations thrown against him. The agriculture chief referred to the “tell-all” video posted by resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, which he had previously dismissed as a “total baloney” that resembled a script from a Netflix series.

Co, who is still at large, claimed that first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos had intervened to halt House investigations into the sudden spike in onion prices. He further alleged that the first lady and his brother, Martin Araneta, were involved in the smuggling of farm goods.

Unfazed by Co’s latest installment of “tell-all” videos, Tiu Laurel urged the DA personnel to focus on serving the public.

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For him, such mud-slinging only challenges the resolve of public servants.

They must not let political noise interfere with their duty, he said, adding that the DA is sticking to the “path of integrity.”