Malacañang today (April 19) said Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary William Dar still has the trust and confidence of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte amid issues currently being faced by the department.
The DA recently recommended lowering the tariff imposed on imported pork products amid the current supply shortage of pork in the country. This was adopted in the Palace’s Executive Order No. 128.
However, lawmakers are now calling for the revocation of the directive.
“Mukhang mayroon pa po talagang kumpiyansa si Pangulong Duterte, kasi pinaniwalaan niya ‘yung advice ni Sec. Dar na salungat sa paniniwala ng mga senador,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said.
[It seems President Duterte still has confidence, because he still believed the advice of Sec. Dar that was contrary to the senators’ beliefs.]
“Pero kung tama man o mali si Secretary Dar, eh ang Saligang Batas naman po ang nagsasabi na talagang poder naman po ng Kongreso ‘yang tariff fixing. Rerespetuhin po ng Presidente kung anong magiging desisyon ng ating mga senador at kongresista,” Roque added.
[Whether Secretary Dar is right or wrong, the Constitution says tariff fixing is within the purview of Congress. The President will respect whatever decisions will be made by the senators and lawmakers.] – Report from Mela Lesmoras/AG-jlo
