Manila – A new law aimed at intensifying the crackdown on agricultural smuggling in the Philippines is set to be signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on September 26, promising to boost local farmers’ and fisherfolks’ incomes while making food more affordable for Filipinos.
According to Philippines News Agency, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced the forthcoming enactment of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act during a press conference on Tuesday. Escudero emphasized that this priority measure of the Marcos administration is a significant stride toward achieving the government’s goal of delivering affordable food to every household. “The passage of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act is a major step toward attaining food security,” he stated.
The law will impose severe penalties for agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel activities, which are now classified as acts of economic sabotage. Those found guilty will face life imprisonment and a fine triple the value of the agricultural and fishery products involved. Additionally, aiding these crimes, such as through transportation or storage of smuggled goods, will attract a jail term of 20 to 30 years and a fine double the value of the involved products.
Escudero highlighted the detrimental impact of smuggling on local agricultural producers and the market at large. “Farmers, fisherfolk, livestock and poultry raisers, and legitimate traders have long suffered from the operations of smugglers and market manipulators,” he explained. The senator added that the new law would protect the public from substandard goods and increase government revenue through improved collections by revenue agencies, ultimately enhancing service delivery to the populace.
An Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council will also be established to ensure the effective implementation of the law, marking a comprehensive approach to curb the illegal trade and manipulation in the agricultural sector.