Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez lauded President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (Republic Act No. 12002), calling it a significant and long-awaited move to protect the agricultural sector from the harmful practices of smugglers, hoarders, profiteers and cartels.
“This law marks a critical turning point in our fight to defend the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk and secure affordable food for all. With the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act in place, we are sending a clear message: there will be no tolerance for those who manipulate the market and jeopardize our food supply,” said Romualdez.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said the new law imposes stiffer penalties against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural food products including cartels. “This new law that penalizes violators with higher fines and long jail terms, should instill fear in the minds of smugglers and hoarders, and force them to mend their ways,” Tiu Laurel said.
“This would also benefit our farmers and fisherfolk whose livelihood are imperiled by unscrupulous hoarders and smugglers,” he said.
The Department of Finance (DOF), in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs (BOC), is ready to fully implement the new law, said Secretary Ralph Recto.
President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed into law RA 12022 on Sept. 26, 2024, which expands the coverage of illegal activities classified as acts of economic sabotage involving agricultural products not previously covered under the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.
Under the law, the term agricultural products will now cover livestock, aquatic products, and tobacco.
“The new law gives more teeth to the government to relentlessly run after smugglers whose illegal activities undermine our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers. Through a stronger and stricter crack down on these offenders, we protect our people’s access to affordable goods and boost our revenue collections, which will allow the government to provide more essential public services to Filipinos,” Recto said.
Acting Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Cristina Roque said the landmark legislation empowers the agency to protect consumers and businesses from illegal practices that disrupt the market.
“It guarantees that basic necessities remain affordable for all Filipinos, especially in these challenging times,” she said.
She said the DTI is committed to enforcing the law as part of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council, in collaboration with other agencies to take decisive action against violators.
Roque said the legislation would strengthen the agricultural sector, support local producers and contribute to improving the economy.
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