Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday ordered an investigation into alleged irregularities in the procurement and distribution of agricultural inputs and machinery in the country. This development follows complaints from several farmers' organizations regarding suspected anomalies within the department.

According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the new investigation would "go beyond standard checks" to safeguard taxpayers' money from illicit actions or corruption. He urged farmers' groups and other organizations to assist in identifying corrupt practices within the department. Additionally, Tiu Laurel directed the DA's legal department to examine reported delays in fertilizer delivery, emphasizing that suppliers who fail to fulfill their obligations as the planting season nears could face penalties or blacklisting.

In 2025, the DA had conducted a similar investigation, which resulted in penalties for certain suppliers and stakeholders. The department is also set to test inorganic fertilizers to enhance local agricultural yield, alongside launching a pilot procurement system for inorganic fertilizers. This system will allow Filipino farmers to purchase registered fertilizers using their Intervention Monitoring Card or IMC-linked e-wallet.

On the issue of mechanization, the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization (PhilMech) refuted claims that its consultations with farmer beneficiaries were superficial. PhilMech manages approximately PHP5 billion annually for machinery and postharvest facilities under the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) over the past six years. The agency stated that all procurements undergo competitive public bidding in compliance with government procurement laws and auditing rules, with bid notices and results available on official platforms.

PhilMech further explained that it sources equipment from multiple qualified suppliers, providing tractors, rice combine harvesters, and other mechanization technologies. It emphasized conducting structured beneficiary selection and in-person consultations to ensure the quality and suitability of equipment in relation to farmers' production needs, land conditions, and operational capacity in varied farming environments.