10 agri-traders blacklisted for alleged smuggling
THE Department of Agriculture on Tuesday said that it has blacklisted a total of 10 traders in the past six months for engaging in illegal agricultural activities.
“We have blacklisted more companies in the past six months than in the past six years combined.” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement.
“This should serve as a clear warning to those who attempt to challenge our resolve in going after smugglers and unscrupulous traders whose illegal activities harm our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers,” he added.
Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) Director Gerald Glenn F. Panganiban said the licenses of the blacklisted firms have been revoked, and those without licenses were banned based on derogatory findings by the BPI.
The agency said that it is intensifying its efforts to combat agricultural smuggling, profiteering, hoarding, and cartel activities that drive up food prices and destabilize the local market.
“With the recent passage of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, (the) government is prepared to take more decisive actions against violators,” Mr. Tiu Laurel said.
Republic Act No. 12022 classified agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and its financing as economic sabotage.
The law also imposed fines equivalent to five times the value of any smuggled or hoarded agricultural products, with violators also facing the prospect of life imprisonment.
“Government will continue to hold violators accountable and take further measures to ensure the integrity of the country’s agricultural trade system,” Mr. Tiu Laurel said.
The agency said that blacklisted firms had been importing vegetables, fruits, and other food products without the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances from BPI.
Companies found to be involved in anti-competitive practices, such as price manipulation and collusion, have also been blacklisted.
Traders are yet to respond to messages seeking comment as of press time. — Adrian H. Halili
