SRA Administrator Hermenegildo Serafica Resigns Amid Sugar Importation Mess
Hermenegildo Serafica, the administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has resigned in the aftermath of the recent sugar importation crisis.
In a letter dated August 15, Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez stated that the SRA administrator’s resignation was accepted “effective immediately.” Serafica submitted his resignation last August 10 in response to the identical letter signed by Rodriguez.
“On behalf of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., I wish to inform you that your resignation has been accepted, effective immediately,” the letter read.
Prior to Serafica’s resignation, Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian, who the Palace identified as the one who approved the order on Marcos’ behalf, was the first to quit after admitting his mistakes. SRA Board Member Roland Beltran resigned on Monday, citing health reasons, and emphasized that his resignation “is without prejudice to any investigation that may be conducted in connection with the issuance of Sugar Order No. 4.”
According to the report of Inquirer.Net, Trixie Cruz-Angeles, the Sugar Regulatory Administration’s press secretary, verified the resignations of the two employees.
“We confirm the acceptance of Administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration Mr. Hermenegildo Serafica’s resignation, as well as the resignation of Atty. Roland Beltran of the Sugar Regulatory Board,” Cruz-Angeles said.
The report mentioned that, Cruz-Angeles stated over the weekend that the President, who oversees agriculture, will not interfere in the ongoing investigation into the authorities. Despite his resignation, Sebastian is still on the hook for potential lawsuits, she added.
Rodriguez’s letter comes as the House of Representatives begins an investigation into the SRA’s alleged clearance of the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar, which President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. revoked.
Malacañang previously stated that the issuance of SO 4 was “illegal and unauthorized,” as it was rejected by the President, given the administration’s goal of ensuring inexpensive and enough supply for customers while also benefiting local producers.
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