The House of Representatives is playing no games to ascertain whether hoarding is to blame for the agricultural commodity shortfall, mainly onions, which drives up market prices.
The committee on agriculture and food resumed its motu proprio probe on Monday, keen to learn whether Lilia “Leah” Cruz, dubbed “Onion Queen” by some, is indeed responsible for onion smuggling in the country.
Notwithstanding the panel’s invitation, Cruz, a self-described “agri-preneur,” has failed to attend the hearing due to “important commitments,” prompting Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga to blow a fuse.
Cruz’s legal counsel, Kenneth Bryan Tegio, who attended on behalf of Cruz, informed the panel that her client would be unable to participate in the hearing because she received the notice “quite” late, and Cruz had already made important commitments.
Quezon Rep. Mark Enverga, who presided over the committee hearing, was quick to rebuff Tegio’s claim, saying the notice was given on Friday and Cruz had just seen Viber messages.
Barzaga, meanwhile, called out Tegio, questioning Cruz’s no-show in the probe.
“As a lawyer, you know for a fact that what we are doing here is in aid of legislation. And you think that the commitment of your client is much more important than the hearing scheduled for today?” Barzaga asked Tegio.
But, the lawyer maintained his position, claiming that Cruz had committed to visiting farmers, which would necessitate her travel.
Barzaga, in response, was eager to determine as to where Cruz would visit the farmers, to which Tegio replied that he had not gotten through the information.
“Call her and tell her that I am asking her the details of her visit to the farmers and whereabouts. Because we do not have lame excuses here,” the solon ordered Tegio, giving him one hour to reach Cruz.
As Tegio failed to provide any information, Barzaga warned to contact the National Bureau of Investigation to confirm Cruz’s whereabouts.
“Though I’m still waiting for the result of these inquiries to her and to her staff, I would like to assure this honorable Committee that my client, Leah Cruz, is still committed to all these proceedings,” Tegio assured the panel.
Cruz’s involvement in the congressional probe is her second time following a similar allegation nearly 10 years ago.