Sandigan junks garlic cartel graft rap vs ex-DA chiefMANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has dismissed the graft case against former Department of Agriculture secretary Proceso Alcala in connection with the alleged monopolization of garlic importation and supply, which caused a spike in prices in the market in 2014. Of the total 8,810 IPs issued by the DA, 5,022 were secured by VIEVA and VIEVA-affiliate importers, the ombudsman said. The ombudsman added that VIEVA’s monopolization of garlic importation caused the price of imported garlic to surge to P260 to P400 per kilogram from January to July 2014, up from P165 to P170 per kilogram in 2010-2013. The price of native garlic also rose to P250 to P450 per kilogram from April to June 2014. In dismissing the case against Alcala, the Fifth Division said the prosecution failed to establish that he acted in conspiracy with the other accused to favor VIEVA and its affiliated importers.

Source: Philippine Star January 09, 2026 20:41 UTC