Manila, Sept. 16 -- Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. on Tuesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to maintaining a "strict and data-driven" fish importation allocation system in the country.

"I believe our system is fair, just, and nasa tama (in the right). Walang pabor-pabor 'yun. Kaya nabanggit ko na integridad ng sistema namin ang kine-question (We don't give favors. That's why I pointed out that it is the integrity of our system that's being questioned)," he said in an ambush interview on the sidelines of the "Benteng Bigas Meron (BBM) Na" expansion launch for the transport sector.

Tiu Laurel issued the statement after disclosing during Monday's House Committee on Appropriations hearing that Ako Bicol Party-list R...