MANILA — Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. dismissed allegations of “ghost deliveries” of fertilizer raised by the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), calling the claims unfounded and harmful to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“We’ve already admitted before the Senate that there were indeed delays in fertilizer deliveries in Regions 1, 2, and 4B. That’s confirmed and documented,” Tiu Laurel told reporters Friday after launching the P20 rice program for fisherfolk at the Navotas Fish Port Complex.

“But as far as ghost deliveries are concerned? At the moment, I consider that fake news—completely baseless,” he said. “If Sinag knows something concrete, they should come forward and help us go after these supposed ghost suppliers.”

The secretary’s remarks came in response to Sinag’s claims of fraudulent transactions involving fertilizer distribution in parts of Luzon.

Tiu Laurel said the DA is taking action against the three suppliers responsible for the delayed shipments, noting that sanctions such as fines or blacklisting are being considered.

“The suppliers say recent typhoons delayed the arrival of fertilizers from China,” he said. “But for me that’s not a valid excuse. We’re considering sanctions, including temporary blacklisting in the areas affected by the delays.”

The suppliers have been given until September 15 to complete deliveries, but they will face higher penalties, the DA chief added. Initial field reports suggest they may still meet the deadline.

Asked if the DA had considered terminating the contracts, Tiu Laurel said doing so would further delay deliveries and increase costs. “Canceling the contracts would delay the deliveries even more. And new bidding would likely come at a higher cost to the government. We bought those fertilizers at a lower price,” he said.

For now, the DA is pursuing accountability while seeking to avoid disruption, Tiu Laurel said, but stressed that continued delays will not be tolerated.

“This isn’t just about late deliveries,” he said. “It’s about trust. We are watching closely, and we will act.”