MANILA – The Ombudsman said Wednesday it was investigating Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala for graft over his alleged involvement in cartel operations that spiked garlic prices two years ago.

Alcala’s “participation in the scheme was manifested” when he tasked garlic industry stakeholders themselves to investigate the price-fixing allegations, the Ombudsman said in a statement, citing an initial investigation.

The Ombudsman said it was also investigating four officials of the Bureau of Plant Industry, identified as Clarito Barron, Merle Palacpac, Jesus Bajacan and Luben Marasigan; and Lilia Cruz and the incorporators of the Vegetable Importers, Exporters and Vendors Association of the Philippines, Inc. (VIEVA).

The VIEVA was found to have “monopolized the supply of garlic and dictated market prices,” the Ombudsman said.

Barron is under separate investigation for allegedly accepting a P240,000 bribe in exchange for two garlic importation permits, according to the Ombudsman statement.