President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Wednesday there is no “deadline” on his order to probe the so-called onion cartel in the country.
In an interview, the President told reporters that he’s not a fan of giving deadlines, adding he would not accept a “half-baked” result for the probe he ordered from the Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation.
“Unang una, hindi ako mahilig magbigay ng deadline. Syempre gusto ko tapusin nila kaagad. Pero kailangan tapos hindi hilaw. Let them do their investigation,” said Mr. Marcos.
Asked if probers are looking for the possible involvement of companies other than the Philippine VIEVA Group of Companies Inc., the Chief Executive said there is no particular group they are looking into.
He added that the probe will focus on those who took part in the hoarding and controlling of various agricultural products, citing that many “cartels” are still operating.
President Marcos doubled down on his previous statement of economic sabotage.
“At sa aking pananaw, sa palagay ko yung mga abogado natin ay sasangayon siguro sa atin, yung kanilang (cartel) ginagawa amounts to economic sabotage,” said Mr. Marcos.
He stressed that the government will do its best to stop the cartels in their tracks and bring justice.
Earlier, the President led the ceremonial rites of the “6th Livestock and Aquaculture Philippines 2023” at the World Trade Center in Pasay City.