DOJ, NBI Dared to Nab Billionaire Agri Smugglers

Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Thursday challenged the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to go after wealthy agricultural smugglers, urging them to prove that such individuals are not “untouchable.” Pangilinan raised the issue during the Senate hearing on the DOJ’s proposed 2027 budget, questioning both agencies over the dismissal of agricultural smuggling cases. The senator pointed out that the dismissal of such cases involving high-net-worth individuals breeds suspicion that the wealthy are given preferential treatment under the law. He urged the DOJ and NBI to take concrete actions to demonstrate that the law applies equally to all citizens. Agricultural smuggling in the Philippines has led to severe economic problems, including damage to domestic agriculture and soaring food prices. While the government has implemented measures to combat this issue, effective enforcement remains a challenge. Criticism has persisted regarding the slow progress in cracking down on wealthy individuals involved in large-scale smuggling operations, and the senator's remarks seem to echo public frustration over this situation. Source: Inquirer NewsInfo