January 9, 2026 — Two top government officials are now facing graft charges after being accused of permitting the release of imported rice shipments despite a ban imposed last year.

A complaint was filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against BOC Commissioner Ariel F. Nepomuceno and BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban on Friday, January 9, 2026. The case was initiated by farmer leaders Raul Q. Montemayor and Argel Joseph T. Cabatbat, who alleged that the officials violated Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

According to the complaint, Nepomuceno and Panganiban allowed the release of rice shipments in September 2025, despite a government ban on imports at the time. The complainants argued that the move was highly irregular and prejudicial to Filipino farmers, who were already struggling with depressed farmgate prices.

Montemayor, who heads the Federation of Free Farmers, said the release of rice shipments undermined the government’s own policy and contributed to oversupply in the market. Cabatbat, a representative of the Magsasaka party-list, added that the decision “favored private importers at the expense of local producers.”

The complaint cites Section 3(e) of RA 3019, which penalizes public officials who cause undue injury to any party or give unwarranted benefits, advantage, or preference in the discharge of their official functions.

If found guilty, the officials could face imprisonment, disqualification from public office, and other penalties under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

The graft raps come amid heightened scrutiny of government agencies tasked with regulating food imports. The rice importation ban in 2025 was intended to stabilize local production and protect farmers, but critics say enforcement has been inconsistent.

The controversy also follows other high-profile corruption cases involving infrastructure projects and procurement irregularities, fueling public frustration over accountability in government.