Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. shows a photocopy of his text exchange with former congressman Zaldy Co — along with a confidential report for Congress — in response to Co’s allegations of “price and import manipulation” of sugar, onion, rice, and fish. Tiu also denied claims that Co influenced the reduction of rice tariffs from 35 percent to 15 percent. The secretary refuted all accusations during a press conference at the Department of Agriculture office in Quezon City on Thursday. Photo by Analy LaborANALY LABOR