MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives approved on its second reading on Monday House Bill No. 9284, which is aimed at strengthening the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.
The House approved the bill via viva voce after taking a break in deliberating the proposed 2024 national budget, or the General Appropriations Bill.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has certified as urgent an equivalent bill in the Senate proposing amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.
READ: Romualdez: House to prioritize bills vs hoarding, smuggling of agri products
In a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, the president said: “The need to facilitate the passage of this important piece of legislation is imperative, especially now that the country is beset by rising prices and shortages in agricultural products, partly due to the nefarious acts of smuggling, hoarding, profiteeríng, and cartel.”