An Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Task Force directly under the control and supervision of the Office of the President will be created to give more teeth to a law against smuggling of rice and other agricultural products, according to Sen. Cynthia Villar.
The proposed Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act will also establish an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Court under the jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals and a Special Team of Prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to expedite the prosecution of agri-economic sabotage cases.
“The measure intends to repeal Republic Act No. 10845, or the ‘Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act’ and introduce several nefarious acts other than smuggling, such as, hoarding, profiteering, cartel of agricultural and fisheries products,” said Villar, principal author and sponsor of the bill.
Despite the existing law being in place for seven years, Villar pointed out that no one has been jailed for smuggling rice and other agricultural goods. She expressed optimism that the new legislation will address the suffering of Filipino farmers and consumers caused by these corrupt practices.
The Senate passed Senate Bill No. 2432, also known as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, in December. President Marcos has certified the bill as urgent, underscoring its importance. On March 20, 2024, both Houses of Congress held a bicameral conference to finalize the bill.
Last Wednesday, May 22, the Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act before adjourning the 2nd Regular Session of the 19th Congress.
Villar stressed that this piece of legislation is an act of self-preservation against the manipulative scheme of economic saboteurs. It is also intended to protect our farmers’ livelihood.
The proposed law also safeguards the State from tax evaders and non-payers of duties, ensuring the well-being of our agricultural producers, consumers, and the entire economy.
Villar is the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform.