2017, June 5

Hundreds of local farmers gathered in front of the Provincial Capitol, holding placards and streamers expressing support to the leadership of Ilocos Norte governor Ma. Imelda Josefa “Imee” R. Marcos. This is in light of an on-going investigation in the House of Representatives regarding the alleged anomalous transactions in the purchase of motor vehicles from the tobacco excise tax funds pegged at PHP66,450,000. Rogelio Ceredon, president of the Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Dingras, Ilocos Norte said they took time out from the rice fields to express their concern about the apparent “indifference” between the camp of Ms. Marcos and House majority floor leader Rep. Rodolfo “Rudy” C. Fariñas (1^st district, Ilocos Norte). “The motor vehicles [minitrucks and buses] purchased under RA 7171 are very useful to us farmers and our children. It did not go to waste. I hope they will get to the bottom of the issue. We are all Ilocanos, we should be united for the good of our province,” Mr. Ceredon said saying his presence at the gathering is voluntary.