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JV Ejercito seeks protection for farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers

September 7, 2023

Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito is proposing a legislation that would protect farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers as well as ensure reasonable and affordable prices of agricultural and fishery products for consumers.

This followed his filing of Senate Bill (SB) No. 2432 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

During the Kapihan sa Senado press conference on Thursday, Sept. 7, Ejercito cited hoarding, profiteering and cartel operations as some detrimental practices that plague the agricultural industry, which pose a grave threat to local production.

“Hopefully, baka makatulong itong passage ng Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage in protection of our local agriculture industry at para matulak naman natin yung local production,” Ejercito said.

Under the proposed bill, these prohibited activities are categorized as forms of economic sabotage, and they become subject to penalties. The crucial threshold value for these offenses is set at a minimum of P1 million.

“Our target really is large-scale agri-smuggling which is really affecting our local farmers and the whole industry. Ang target natin ay yung tone-toneladang containers na nakakalusot,” he said.

“I don't think we will really be able to advance or see an improvement in the sector of agriculture lalo sa pagiging self-sufficient natin sa local production if these practices continue,” he added.

The lawmaker from San Juan emphasized the urgent need for such legislation as these illicit practices not only harm the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk but also have a significant impact on local production.

After seven years since the passage of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, Ejercito expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of the implementing agencies as the importation of agricultural products, especially rice and sugar, continues unabated with authorities liberally issuing import permits.

“What has happened because of this unabated smuggling and cartel and profiteering, na-di-discourage na, wala na pumapasok sa agriculture, importation nalang nang importation,” he pointed out.

“Our farmers are getting old. We have to make the agriculture industry interesting again. Hopefully, it will make it more profitable this time to produce locally para maging attractive siya for local producers,” he noted.

Based on the proposed measure, the government will establish an Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council that would oversee the implementation of the law. It comprises the Department of Agriculture, Department of Trade and Industry, Department of Justice, Department of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Transportation, Anti-Money Laundering Council, and Philippine Competition Commission.

It shall also have one representative from the agricultural sector whose membership is nationwide: sugar; rice and corn; livestock and poultry; vegetables and fruits; fisheries and other aquatic products; and tobacco.

The proposed bill will also establish an enforcement group with a clear mandate for thorough investigations, alongside a special team of prosecutors specially tasked to assist the Council in the expeditious prosecution of criminal cases.

“Because of the delays on the court proceedings and overload, minsan nakakalimutan na. The establishment of a special prosecution team in the DOJ for smuggling and the special courts would greatly help the success of the implementation of this measure,” he said.

Once penalized, according to Ejercito, the offense carries a single penalty of life imprisonment and a fine amounting to triple the value of the agricultural and fishery products involved in the crime.

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