Agricultural stakeholders proposed a comprehensive review of the measures seeking to limit the transaction and movement of agricultural produce to P1 million.
Stakeholders said they are concerned that House Bill 9284 and Senate Bill 2434–which reduce the threshold of acts of economic sabotage to P1 million–will sow fear among traders, wholesalers, and retailers who are moving millions worth of agriculture and fisheries products.
“There was no consultation on this. We were never consulted and we fear that there should be clear guidelines before they implement this” Philippine Rice Industry Stake Holders Movement (PRISM) co-founder Orlando Manuntag said at the sidelines of the Philippine Chamber of Agriculture and Food, Inc. (PCAFI) general membership meeting held over the weekend.
Manuntag who is a local rice miller-importer said colleagues have expressed great concern, saying they are already afraid to take part in the government’s call for sufficiency for food.
Both bills defined economic sabotage as smuggling and hoarding of agricultural produce. In particular the House version which already passed the third and final reading stated that the smuggling of rice and other agricultural products is classified as “economic sabotage”, a crime punishable by life imprisonment.
According to the Senate version “the crimes of agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel as economic sabotage are committed when the value of each agricultural and fishery product subject of the crime is at least P1 million, computed at the time the crime was committed.”
Both bills have been certified by the President as urgent.
The PCAFI argued that the broad scope of covered infractions and severe penalties may create a chilling effect on vital industries. They also note that bills are being railroaded since SB 2432 is also on its third and final hearing, less than a month after it was filed.
Former rice trader and now organic farmer Pablito Villegas said the law should be able to identify who are the legitimate stakeholders to be able to weed out the smugglers and hoarders.
“We think the proposed laws do not jive with the government’s mantra on rice sufficiency and food security. To an extent they are conflicting directives,” he said.
He added that for traders, moving a trailer of rice which is about 700 bags of rice that cost over P1 million, is a normal transaction. Liming the transaction to P1 million or less will have untoward impacts on food availability and may also impact prices.
“Striking a balance between food security and a conducive business environment is crucial for sustainable economic growth,” stakeholders said.
Stakeholders are asking to include them in the review to ensure that the legislation meets its goals without burdening businesses or compromising justice principles.