Manila: The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Friday tagged as 'fake news' claims of alleged ghost deliveries of fertilizer subsidy. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. acknowledged that there were delays in some deliveries but stressed that all transactions were documented and accounted for.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary Tiu Laurel emphasized that while there have been confirmed and documented delays, the notion of ghost deliveries is unfounded. He urged individuals propagating these 'baseless claims' to collaborate with the DA in identifying any potential irregularities.

Tiu Laurel further invited those with knowledge of such issues to assist in rectifying them. 'Kung mayroon man silang alam, tulungan nila kaming hulihin. At kung totoo man iyan, huhulihin talaga natin (If they really know something, they should help us go after them. If that's true, we will catch them),' he stated.

He noted that three suppliers with pending obligations have pledged to fulfill their deliveries by August 31. Half of the delays, he explained, were due to 'justifiable reasons' like storms, heavy rains, and flooding affecting transport and shipping, while the remainder were deemed 'unacceptable.'

Suppliers who persist in missing deadlines may face penalties or temporary blacklisting in regions where they have failed to deliver. To date, the DA has achieved 90 percent delivery of its fertilizer subsidies, although delays remain in areas such as Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, and Central Luzon.