THE Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) has filed criminal charges against DO’s Asia Chemical Trading Corp. and its president over alleged violations of fertilizer regulations involving a government procurement project in the Caraga Region, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said Friday.
The complaint was filed before the Butuan City Prosecutor’s Office for alleged violations of Presidential Decree 1144, which regulates the manufacture, distribution, sale and registration of fertilizers and pesticides.
Previously, the FPA sued the owner of DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading for allegedly manufacturing regulated fertilizer products without a license in North Cotabato.This time, the FPA said DO’s Asia lacked authority to conduct fertilizer dealership activities in Caraga, despite holding licenses to operate in Region 11.
The company also allegedly used the prohibited “Spinning Palanggana” fertilizer production method, which the FPA banned in 2022 because it cannot consistently ensure product quality and uniformity.
Laboratory tests on samples of “Carlly Grow 14-14-14” fertilizer also allegedly showed nutrient levels well below those indicated on the product label, prompting a broader investigation.
Investigators further alleged that DO’s Asia supplied fertilizer registered under another manufacturer’s name without securing the required third-party authorization from the FPA.
The case stemmed from the company’s participation in a 2025 procurement by the DA’s Regional Field Office 13 involving more than P182 million worth of inorganic fertilizers.
DO’s Asia was the lone bidder for one lot worth P25.67 million intended for farmers in Surigao del Norte.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the charges underscored the government’s efforts to protect farmers and ensure that public funds for agriculture are not compromised by regulatory violations.
“There is no place in Philippine agriculture for those who profit by selling questionable fertilizer products,” Tiu Laurel said. “Every violation hurts farmers, threatens food security, and erodes public trust in government programs.”
FPA Executive Director Glenn Estrada, who signed the complaint, said the agency would continue enforcing regulations to ensure that only compliant and quality fertilizer products reach farmers.
The case is now before the Butuan City Prosecutor’s Office for preliminary investigation.
