“Masapol nga suruten mi ti legal procedures. Tapno maaksyunan mi dayta… umay kayon agfile formal complaint”- Vice Governor Odiem on issue of palay traders being blocked from entering Kalinga

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga Vice Governor Atty. Dave Odiem encouraged those complaining online about the alleged blocking of palay traders from outside the province to file formal complaints so that the matter can be properly acted upon, stressing that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is bound by due process.

Odiem made the statement after Board Member Atty. Christopher Donaal disclosed during the Provincial Board session on Tuesday, May 5, that there were online claims alleging that certain private individuals were preventing outside traders from buying palay or corn from farmers in Kalinga.

Despite the circulation of these claims on social media, particularly on Facebook, Odiem emphasized that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan cannot immediately act on the issue because there are no formal complaints to serve as the basis for investigation.

He explained that while the concern is being acknowledged, the Provincial Board cannot proceed based solely on online posts, as these are not sufficient legal grounds for formal action.

With this, he urged those airing complaints online to personally appear before the board so their statements can be properly documented, discussed, and acted upon within legal parameters.

“Usto diay kuna ni BM Donaal nga haan tayo mabalin maaksyunan dagita reklamo da nu awan umay agfile ti complaint. We must follow due process. Awan ti basis ti action tayo nu awan formal complaint. So kasjay, masapul ipaayab tayo dagita agko-complaint dita Facebook,” said Odiem.

In an interview with Guru Press Cordillera, the vice governor appealed for understanding from constituents, saying that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan is not ignoring the issue but is simply required to observe proper procedures and documentation before taking action.

“Kayat ko nga maawatan tayo kakailyan nga ditoy SP, masapol nga suruten mi ti legal procedures. Masapol nga dumalan tayo ti due process. Maawatan mi dagita concerns, yo. Tapno maaksyunan mi dayta issue, umay kayon agfile ti formal complaint or attend kayo ton sumaruno nga session tayo,” he relayed.

The alleged blocking of traders from outside Kalinga reportedly enables certain individuals to manipulate buying prices and maximize profits at the expense of local farmers and producers.

This practice is among the primary concerns sought to be addressed by the ordinance recently signed into law through the initiative of Board Member Donaal. However, the implementation of penalties and enforcement mechanisms requires proper investigation and documentation, including the filing of formal complaints.