Six containers of smuggled red and white onions seized by BOC Port of Cagayan de Oro. (Photo credit: Bureau of Customs website)
MANILA, Philippines — After the illegal resolution which authorized the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar into the country, Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday bared the illegal importation of white onions.
This came after the Bureau of Customs seized some P36 million worth of onions in Misamis Oriental that have been misdeclared as “spring roll patti” and “plain churros.”
According to Marcos, she remains unconvinced of a local shortage of white onions because the Department of Agriculture (DA) has not presented inventories of the crop vis-à-vis its planting and harvest seasons.
“The DA was urged to assess white onion shortage, as it was asked on sugar and porcine PAP (processed animal protein) shortages. Again, no data could be presented, just blanket claims that ‘Wala po talagang laman ang mga bodegang pinuntahan namin’ (The warehouses we inspected were really empty),” Marcos explained.
“Tama na, buking na! Hindi na kami magpapaloko (Just stop. You’ve been exposed! You can’t fool us anymore!),” she added.
The senator then warned all those involved in the illegal activity.
“Let this serve as a fair warning to all concerned, we are aware of the modus operandi going on. It’s the same old story. Paulit-ulit na lang, eh (It just keeps repeating itself),” said Marcos.
“First, they smuggle. Then they create a shortage, and produce a legitimate import permit. By next week, I have no doubt smuggled onions will flood the market covered by a ‘legitimate’ importation order of gargantuan proportions,” she added.
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