MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang was surprised by reports that National Food Authority administrator Jason Aquino was present during a recent meeting of the NFA Council even after he had already left the agency. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said there is no power vacuum in the state grains agency despite Aquino’s departure because the NFA deputy administrator can take over. I think it was clear from the President’s mouth that he has accepted the resignation of Jason Aquino,” Roque told CNN Philippines yesterday. Earlier this month, President Duterte said Aquino had expressed his intention to leave the NFA because of disagreements with fellow officials. Nevertheless, Roque believes there are enough grounds to hold Aquino liable for graft and technical malversation because of the former NFA chief’s failure to buy rice.

Source: Philippine Star September 26, 2018 15:56 UTC