News Details

DA Refutes 'Ghost Deliveries' in Fertilizer Subsidy, Assures Transparency in Distribution

NPO

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August 30, 2025

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has dismissed as “fake news” allegations of ghost deliveries in its fertilizer subsidy program, assuring the public that all transactions are documented and monitored.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. admitted there have been delivery delays but emphasized that these should not be mistaken for irregularities.

“Technically, there is a delay—confirmed and documented. But as far as ghost deliveries are concerned, I consider that as fake news,” Tiu Laurel said in a media interview.

The agriculture chief called on individuals spreading “baseless claims” to instead assist the DA in identifying possible anomalies. “Kung mayroon man silang alam, tulungan nila kaming hulihin. At kung totoo man iyan, huhulihin talaga natin (If they know something, they should help us catch them. If it’s true, we will take action),” he added.

According to Tiu Laurel, three suppliers with pending obligations have committed to complete their deliveries by Aug. 31. He noted that about half of the delays were due to justifiable causes such as storms, heavy rains, and flooding that disrupted transport and shipping, while the rest were deemed “unacceptable.”

Suppliers who continue to miss deadlines may face penalties or temporary blacklisting in areas where they failed to deliver.

As of now, the DA has already distributed 90 percent of its fertilizer subsidies nationwide, with delays still recorded in Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon, among others.

— NPO News Team | PN-PR