JV Ejercito: ‘Certainty of punishment’ needed to stop agricultural smuggling, punish big fish
September 15, 2025
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito urged law enforcement and prosecutorial agencies to move beyond seizures of agricultural products and deliver convictions against smugglers, warning that the absence of jail time for big players fosters a culture of impunity.
Ejercito made the call during a hearing of the Committee in Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform on the implementation of the Anti-Agriculture and Economic Sabotage (AAES) Act on Monday, September 15.
The lawmaker from San Juan emphasized that while billions worth of goods have been seized, no high-profile perpetrators have been convicted.
Reports show from 2018 to 2024 that BOC filed at least 250 cases involving agricultural products worth ₱8.59 billion.
“Wala naman tayong narinig na nakukulong pa from nung time na ‘yun. Walang natatakot gumawa dahil walang nakukulong, no certainty of punishment. So I think that’s what really is needed, certain punishment,” Ejercito said.
“Kapag may masampolan dito, I think maaayos ‘to eh. Lahat sila, pati pagpapahiram ng lisensya, nahawa na rin ‘to sa mga DPWH pala.”
AEES Council Assistant Secretary Kristine Joy Diaz-Teston told the committee that seizures have been made and Letters of Authority issued, but admitted convictions remain scarce.
It can be remembered that the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (Republic Act No. 12022) defines economic sabotage as a separate crime if the value of smuggled farm goods exceeds P10 million.
Ejercito pressed for stronger coordination among the Department of Justice, Bureau of Customs, and the National Bureau of Investigation to identify and prosecute the masterminds behind smuggling operations.
“Nakahuli nga kayo ng container ng smuggled na isda, pero kelan kaya kayo makakapagpakulong ng mga ‘big fish’?” Ejercito asked.
The senator warned that unless smugglers are prosecuted, Filipino farmers will continue to suffer as illegal imports flood markets, undercutting local produce and livelihoods.
“Seizures are not enough. The people need to see that those who sabotage our economy are punished. Only then will there be fear of the law,” Ejercito said.
