Manila: Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Wednesday dismissed as baseless the allegations of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, accusing the Marcos administration of covering up supposed anomalies involving First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and her relatives in the agriculture sector. Tiu Laurel described Co's claims, aired through a video post, as 'total baloney,' noting that the only accurate point raised was the government's move to lower rice import tariffs.

According to Philippines News Agency, Tiu Laurel stated, "Total baloney. A script na pwede pang-netflix. Ang totoo lang na sinabi niya is pinag-usapan naming ibaba ang (It's a script fit for Netflix. The only thing true about his claims was our talks on) tariff." He clarified that the recommendation to lower tariffs was not solely Co's idea. "Marami ang nag-suggest. Ang (Many have suggested it) recommendation niya actually was zero tariff, not 15 percent."

The tariff on imported rice was reduced to 15 percent from the original 35 percent. Co alleged that this adjustment failed to decrease prices due to manipulation by rice importers supposedly linked to the First Lady. He also claimed that the DA chief requested a halt to the Quinta Committee's probe into rice importation, citing the secretary's alleged disclosure of a 'confidential report' on importers.

Co further pointed to alleged irregularities in the importation of onions and fish, as well as alleged price manipulation in the sugar sector. Tiu Laurel, however, dismissed these allegations as 'definitely baloney.'

The DA chief is expected to provide more information on the matter on Thursday afternoon.