Senator Cynthia Villar (File photo by Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines— Bureau of Customs (BoC) will be stripped of powers to file cases against smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products.
This scenario will happen once a new measure is passed into law.
The bill has been approved by four committees in Senate.
“Tinanggal na namin ang power to file cases from the Bureau of Customs,” Senator Cynthia Villar told reporters on Wednesday.
(We have removed the power to file cases from Bureau of Customs.)
“Iba na ang agency na magpa-file ng cases. Hindi na ang Bureau of Customs, kasi parang ang tingin ko, may conflict of interest,” she said.
(A different agency will file cases. It’s no longer Bureau of Customs, because I think there’s a conflict of interest.)
Villar heads Senate committee on agriculture, food and agrarian reform, one of the four committees that approved Senate Bill Number 2432.
The three others are the committees on justice, finance, and ways and means.
The bill defines and penalizes the following crimes of agricultural economic sabotage — smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel.
If enacted into law, it will repeal the existing Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.
Under the new measure, an Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council will be formed.
It will be headed by the President or his designated permanent representative.
The Council will not only ensure the “proper and effective” implementation of the proposed law.
It will also have the power to direct speedy investigation and prosecution of all violators.
The body can freeze the violators’ funds, properties, bank deposits, placements, trust accounts, assets and records.
Villar pointed out the case of economic sabotage is non -bailable.
“While the (trial is ongoing), nakakulong sya,” Villar specified, referring to smugglers of agricultural commodities.
“Remember, mayayaman ito. Ayaw nitong makulong,” the senator said.
(Remember, these are wealthy individuals. They don’t want to be imprisoned.)
“Habang nagkakaso, nakakulong ka kasi non- bailable,” she warned.
(While charges are being filed, you are in jail because it’s non-bailable.)
A special court will also be created to focus on cases of agricultural smuggling, cartel, hoarding, and profiteering, the senator said.
“Dati kasi, pupunta lang yan sa RTC (Regional Trial Court),” Villar recalled.
(Before, they would just go to RTC.)
“Ngayon, pumayag na ang Supreme Court that we will create a court specially for anti-agricultural smuggling and cartel hoarding law na parang kasintaas ng Sandiganbayan.”
(Now, Supreme Court has agreed that we will create a court specifically for anti-agricultural smuggling and cartel hoarding laws, similar in stature of Sandiganbayan.)
The bill will be reported to Senate floor for further deliberations.
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