Bittersweet

IN last week's Senate hearing on the alleged illegal importation of sugar, Senior Agriculture Undersecretary Domingo Panganiban justified his decision to allow the entry of imports sans the observation of official procedures by claiming that he was merely following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s instructions. He added that immediate importation was needed to reduce soaring sugar prices and tame overall inflation.

I was in disbelief when he made this claim. For one, even assuming that the President made the instruction, Panganiban should have advised his boss on the lawful procedure as Marcos may not be familiar with the regulations given the tons of concerns he has to deal with. There are ways of attaining the President's objective without violating legal procedures. In the process, Marcos' prestige would be enhanced as it demonstrates that he is a stickler to the rule of law.