Photo credit: National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines

Agriculture Senior Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban was charged with graft before the Office of the Ombudsman on Monday. The charges stem from his alleged involvement in the illegal importation of sugar. Specifically, Panganiban is being accused of orchestrating the importation of 440,000 metric tons of refined sugar back in February.

The complaint was filed by two prominent organizations, namely the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry-Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Council and the Alternatiba ng Masa Party-list. They have accused Panganiban of two offenses: usurpation of official functions and violation of Section 3(e) of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry-Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries' Council and the Alternatiba ng Masa Party-list firmly believe that Panganiban abused his position of authority within the agriculture sector. The alleged illegal importation of such a massive quantity of refined sugar raises concerns about the potential negative impact on local sugar producers and the overall stability of the industry.

Panganiban now faces a rigorous legal battle as the charges filed against him will be investigated by the Office of the Ombudsman.