DA Assistant Secretary Kristine EvangelistaFTI Vice President for Operations John Gabriel Benedict Trinidad IIIThe order said the officials will be suspended without pay “for the duration of the proceedings until the same is terminated, but not to exceed six months.” The suspension also took effect upon the service of the order to the respondents.
They face charges in connection with the shortage of onion supply in the market, its alleged price manipulation, and the FTI’s questionable purchase of onions from Bonena Multi-Purpose Cooperative. Documents showed that the respondents allegedly violated Republic Act No. 3019 or Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, in relation to RA No. 9184 or the procurement law.
Since the respondents remained in office and “may influence potential witnesses and may prejudice the case filed against them due to their continued access to documentary evidence relative thereto,” the Ombudsman moved to suspend some of them.