AGRICULTURE Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday ordered an investigation on the procurement and distribution of farm input and machinery, after farmers’ groups raised concerns about alleged anomalies in the process.
The Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) is at the center of the issue, the DA said. Under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF), PhilMech manages P5 billion annually for machinery and postharvest facilities.
The allocation will increase as funding has been tripled following amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law. PhilMech is inviting farmers to visit its website for real-time data on machine distribution.
The probe comes despite the DA’s regular review earlier this year, which found no irregularities in its procurement and distribution systems.
The new investigation would go beyond standard checks to expose misconduct and ensure that public funds are spent properly, Tiu Laurel said, noting that in 2025, the DA had looked into similar complaints from farmers’ organizations, which led to sanctions for those found guilty.
“We invite farmers’ groups and other organizations to help us ferret out the corrupt within our midst,” he said, pointing out that with the increased agriculture budget this year, “we cannot allow these taxpayers’ funds to be squandered.”
PhilMech denied allegations that consultations with farmer beneficiaries were “merely token.“ All its procurements are subject to competitive public bidding in accordance with government procurement laws and auditing rules, with bid notices and outcomes made available to the public through its official platforms, it said.
It has procured tractors, rice combine harvesters, and other mechanization technologies from various qualified suppliers to ensure quality, competitiveness, and suitability across a range of farming conditions, PhilMech said, noting that it has conducted in-person interviews and a structured beneficiary selection to match equipment with land conditions, operational capacity, and farmers' production requirements.
It also stressed that it is committed to transparency, accountability and farmer-centered implementation, and that its deployment of technologies is based on validated field needs and long-term sustainability.
Delays in fertilizer deliveries
Tiu Laurel also directed the DA’s legal team to look into delays in fertilizer deliveries, warning that suppliers who fail in their obligations may face penalties or blacklisting.
The DA will likewise test inorganic (synthetic or chemical) fertilizers to determine their efficacy in helping boost production.
Inorganic fertilizers are generally considered safe when used correctly, but they carry specific risks if mismanaged.
Piloting a new procurement system for inorganic fertilizers is among the DA’s plans this year.
Farmers will also be allowed to make purchases of eligible products directly using their Intervention Monitoring Card or IMC-linked e-wallet. The DA wants a full adoption of this system by 2027 to streamline access to subsidies and lessen leakages in distribution.
