MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has blacklisted three agri-food importers due to illegal trading activities, highlighting ongoing efforts to combat economic sabotage within the sector.
According to Philippines News Agency, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. announced that the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) took action against LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading for failing to secure necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances. These clearances were required for a range of products including milled rice, cashew nuts, coffee, onions, and oranges. “We will not turn a blind eye to these importers’ illegal practices that undermine government revenues and put public health at risk. To do so would be to abdicate our sworn duty to protect our farmers and the Filipino consumers,” stated Laurel.
Additionally, five other firms are under investigation for potential suspension or revocation of their licenses due to misdeclaration, illegal importation, and anti-competitive trade practices. BPI director Gerald Glenn Panganiban explained that the identities of these firms are withheld as legal proceedings are pending, but they are prohibited from transacting with the BPI during this period.
The enforcement actions align with Secretary Laurel’s commitment to the rigorous implementation of the Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which he discussed in a recent Senate committee hearing. The law considers agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, cartel activities, and financing as forms of economic sabotage, punishable by life imprisonment and significant fines.
The ongoing crackdown has resulted in numerous seizures and the preparation of cases against various individuals involved in the smuggling of agricultural commodities, including a notable case against an onion smuggler captured in Mindoro in December 2023.