DOF eager to enforce new measure vs agri crimes

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Finance (DOF) is ready and eager to enforce a new measure aimed at curbing widespread smuggling, cartel activities, profiteering and hoarding of agricultural products in the country.

“The new law gives more teeth to the government to relentlessly run after smugglers whose illegal activities undermine our farmers, fisherfolk and consumers. Through a stronger and stricter crackdown on these offenders, we protect our people’s access to affordable goods and boost our revenue collections,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said in a statement on Friday.

Economic sabotage

President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, into law on Thursday, which would classify the smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel operation involving agricultural and fishery goods as economic sabotage.

Under the law, these activities are considered nonbailable offenses punishable by life imprisonment and fines up to five times the value of goods.

The law also provided for the formation of the Antiagricultural Economic Sabotage Council, which Mr. Marcos will lead. Additionally, the Antiagricultural Economic Sabotage Enforcement Group will be created to target smuggling operations and apprehend offenders.

Clear deterrent

The DOF said that this law will allow the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to conduct and implement the letter of authority to take action against corporations or entities involved in the criminal activities, thus giving the agency a guideline in identifying and penalizing them.

“This Act will not only help the BOC penalize those who violate the law but will also act as a clear deterrent to future offenders. We are committed to holding economic saboteurs fully accountable for their actions,” Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said.

Moreover, BOC has launched several strategies to strengthen its fight against agricultural smuggling. These efforts include improved intelligence coordination, the use of advanced technology for more effective border control, and rigorous enforcement of legal measures.

Since last year, the BOC conducted 1,803 successful seizure operations related to agricultural smuggling, capturing P3.70 billion worth of goods.