THE Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hailed the recent signing of a new law that classifies smuggling and hoarding of agricultural products worth over P10 million as economic sabotage.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday approved the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AGES) Act, which imposes stricter penalties against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural food products, especially cartels.
AGES stipulates that smuggling and hoarding of agricultural food products exceeding P10 million in value qualifies as economic sabotage.
In separate statements, the DA and DTI said AGES will create a fair market and ensure the accessibility of basic necessities in the country.
“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,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said. “This would also benefit our farmers and fisherfolk whose livelihood are imperiled by unscrupulous hoarders and smugglers.”
The formation of cartels, and financing smugglers and hoarders will also be considered economic sabotage, said the DA.
Meanwhile, acting Trade Secretary Cristina Roque said AGES is a “decisive victory” against those who manipulate food supply for their own benefit. “This [new law] will ensure that basic necessities and prime commodities remain within reach of every Filipino family. We are committed to fostering a level playing field where everyone, from farmers to consumers, can thrive,” she said.
She added AGES aligns with DTI’s mission to protect consumers and businesses from illegal activities that distort the market and drive up prices.
Violators can be fined up to five times the value of agricultural or fishery products smuggled or hoarded, and can be sentenced to life imprisonment if found guilty.
Agricultural products covered by AGES are rice, corn, beef and other ruminants, pork, poultry, garlic, onions, carrots, garlic, other vegetables, fruit, fish, salt and other aquatic products in their raw state.
Tiu Laurel said a grant of up to P20 million may be given to informants who would aid in the investigation, arrest, prosecution and conviction of smugglers and hoarders.
“This should lead to the radical reduction of their ranks,” the agri chief said.
The law also requires the establishment and maintenance of a Daily Price Index, which will be handled by the DA’s Bureau of Agricultural Research and Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service.
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