Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, has urged government agencies to strictly enforce the Agriculture Economic Sabotage Law, expressing frustration that not a single agricultural smuggler has been jailed since its passage.
During a committee hearing, Pangilinan cited recent seizures of smuggled agricultural products worth ₱10 million and ₱15 million, but lamented that no arrests have led to detention. He stressed that these cases already qualify as economic sabotage, which is a non-bailable offense.
“Iwa-warrant of arrest ‘yon habang nililitis. Kung mabagal at hindi naaksyunan ‘yon, baka nag-eskapo na lahat ‘yon,” Pangilinan warned.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. clarified that the Department of Agriculture (DA) has no authority to file cases against smugglers, noting that the responsibility lies with the Bureau of Customs (BOC).
Pangilinan pressed the DA on possible solutions, to which the agency responded that it would request enforcement powers and seek to be designated as the secretariat to handle cases more effectively.
Naming Names
To emphasize the urgency of action, Pangilinan placed on record the names of individuals allegedly involved in agricultural smuggling, stressing that accountability must be enforced.
He also said that the arrest of illegal brokers should be made immediately once there is sufficient legal basis, adding that swift enforcement is vital to protect both farmers and consumers from unfair trade practices that endanger food security.
Pangilinan announced that in the next committee hearing, the Senate will invite officials from the Bureau of Customs to demand answers on what is happening in the importation of goods and why enforcement remains weak.
“Strict implementation of this law is crucial—not only to protect our farmers, but also to ensure food security for our people,” the senator said.
