A Chinese national identified as Chaoqun Shi was ordered detained at the Senate on Wednesday, after being cited in contempt during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, led by Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan, for allegedly lying in his testimony.

Shi is being linked to the smuggling of agricultural products discovered in a warehouse in Kawit, Cavite.

According to Senate officials, Shi repeatedly gave inconsistent statements regarding his connection to the seized goods, prompting senators to invoke their contempt powers. Prior to his detention, Shi was intercepted by Bureau of Immigration officers at NAIA on Friday while reportedly attempting to flee to China.

The incident comes as lawmakers intensify their crackdown on agricultural smuggling, which has resulted in billions in losses to local farmers.