Pangilinan Urges DOJ, NBI to Pursue 'Untouchable' Agri Smugglers

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has strongly urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after "untouchable smugglers" who are disrupting the country's food security. Pangilinan stated that smuggled agricultural products are overwhelming the local market, discouraging farmers from planting, and contributing to higher food prices for consumers. "Our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers are suffering because we can no longer afford affordable food. Our farmers are unable to plant anymore because smuggled products are taking over the market," he said. The senator also warned of potential health risks associated with smuggled agricultural products. "What’s even worse is that the products being brought in may be already unfit for human consumption. They are sourced from China, smuggled here, treated with formalin, and then sold in the market," Pangilinan expressed concern, suggesting that smugglers often import low-value or substandard goods through illicit means to bypass regulations. Pangilinan criticized the current situation where major smugglers are not being jailed, despite confiscating billions of pesos worth of agricultural products, emphasizing that a P10 million bail is sufficient for detention for non-bailable offenses. In response, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida pledged to strengthen operations in addressing smuggled agricultural products. "We uphold one thing and that is the rule of law. No one should be above the law," Vida stated, affirming a commitment to enforce the law strictly. Authorities recently seized agricultural products and cigarettes worth around P136.59 million in Subic. A physical examination on August 28 revealed fresh carrots and yellow onions without proper documents, such as Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearance, in the containers. Furthermore, on September 6, 1,1986 master cases of cigarettes from Taiwan, valued at P115.5 million, were discovered in two 40-foot containers declared as "Packages Tissue." The Bureau of Customs has filed a complaint with the Department of Justice against 14 individuals, including nine of its own personnel, over the alleged misdeclared agricultural products. Information Source: GMA Money Philippines