MANILA, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Manila Bureau) – At the recent Senate hearing on the shortage of affordable NFA rice in the market, Senator Kiko Pangilinan  repeatedly asked why NFA rice is nowhere to be found.

As a result of his own investigation, Pangilinan identified three possibilities that would provide the answer to his question:

1. The Office of Vice President Leni Robredo mass-purchased the NFA stocks to use in photo opportunities in connection with her ‘Angat Buhay’ pet project.

2. The Liberal Party bought all NFA rice stocks to hoard and release during the 2019 senatorial elections. The political practice is called vote buying.

3. Former President NoyNoy Aquino purchased the NFA rice to build a barricade around his 25 Times Street, Quezon City residence.  Sacks of rice make for good protection against any form of fire power.

Pangilinan’s theories practically exonerate the NFA from criticism on the depletion of affordable rice stocks.