Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III talks about various issues with the media on Tuesday, June 28, at the Senate of the Philippines in Pasay City. Photo by Daniza Fernandez
MANILA, Philippines — President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. must address smuggling in the country, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said on Tuesday.
According to Pimentel, it was not just him but also the entire Senate calling on Marcos Jr. to prioritize smuggling concerns.
READ: P667.5M worth of agri-fishery products smuggled from 2019 to 2022 — Senate report
“Pwede niya actually ma-connect ‘yan sa kanyang piniling (He can connect that with his chosen) department na (of) agriculture. Actually, I’m making that call but actually, the Committee of the Whole report is also making that call. The entire Senate is making that call,” he said in an interview at the Senate in Pasay City.
Marcos Jr. earlier announced that he would head his administration’s agriculture agency.
READ: Bongbong Marcos to head agriculture department in concurrent post
Asked if Pimentel is suggesting a motu proprio investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman, Pimentel agreed.
“Oo, napakalaking problema na niya (Yes, it has become a big problem),” the senator replied.
The Senate Committee of the Whole has flagged 31 pending smuggling cases involving almost P848 million worth of smuggled goods.
READ: Senate panel flags 31 ‘pending’ smuggling cases