Pimentel wants Senate blue ribbon to probe ‘rampant, unabated’ agri smuggling 

FILE PHOTO: Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III. INQUIRER FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has urged the Senate blue ribbon committee to investigate the “rampant and unabated” agricultural smuggling.

Pimentel filed Senate Resolution No. 477, pushing the blue ribbon panel to delve into the smuggling problem as it “negatively [impacts]” local farmers and fisherfolks, among other concerns.

“The issue of smuggling has been a decade-long problem that has continued to be a burden in the country’s agricultural market. Unfortunately, up until now, smuggling persists, if not worse than before,” the resolution, filed on February 13, read.

“The government has not successfully eradicated or even countered smuggling, which has greatly affected our farmers and the consumers as well with the soaring prices of food commodities,” it read.

Pimentel also noted the health risks that smuggled agricultural products pose.

“The DA (Department of Agriculture) has warned consumers against patronizing white onions smuggled into the country,” he said. “According to the DA, these smuggled agricultural products do not comply with sanitary measures.”

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who concurrently serves as DA chief, met with the private sector last month to ask for their support in the fight against smuggling.

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Senate Resolution No. 477:

JPV/abc