Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has vehemently denied allegations made by former lawmaker Zaldo Co, labeling them as baseless and a script fit for Netflix. The accusations, which involve claims of a cover-up by the Marcos administration regarding supposed anomalies linked to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and her relatives in the agriculture sector, were dismissed on Wednesday, November 27, 2025.
Allegations Dismissed as 'Total Baloney'
In a video post, former congressman Zaldy Co accused the administration of concealing irregularities. Secretary Tiu Laurel was quick to refute these claims, stating they were 'total baloney.' He acknowledged only one element of truth in Co's statements: the government's discussion about lowering tariffs on imported rice.
'Total baloney… A script na pwede pang-netflix. Ang totoo lang na sinabi niya is pinag-usapan naming ibaba ang tariff,' Tiu Laurel said, confirming the talks about reducing the import levy.
The Facts on Rice Import Tariffs
The Secretary clarified the details of the tariff adjustment, countering Co's narrative. The tariff on imported rice was indeed reduced to 15 percent from the original 35 percent. However, Tiu Laurel emphasized that the recommendation for a zero percent tariff was not solely Co's idea, but one of many suggestions received by the department.
Co had alleged that this tariff adjustment failed to lower market prices due to manipulation by rice importers with alleged connections to the First Lady. The DA chief firmly rejected this claim alongside other accusations.
Broader Accusations and Official Response
Beyond rice, the former lawmaker also pointed to alleged irregularities in the importation of onions and fish, and claimed there was price manipulation in the sugar sector. Furthermore, Co alleged that Secretary Tiu Laurel asked to halt the Quinta Committee’s probe into rice importation after a 'confidential report' on importers was disclosed.
In his defense, the Agriculture Secretary stated that all other allegations were 'definitely baloney.' The public can expect more information, as the DA chief is scheduled to announce further details on the matter on Thursday afternoon.
