DA files complaint vs onion importer

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Agriculture (DA) has filed a complaint against JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc. for importing P2.37 million worth of fresh yellow onions without the required permits.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DA said the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) had filed a formal complaint before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.

It stemmed from the importation of 25 metric tons of fresh yellow onions from China that arrived at Manila’s South Harbor in July 2024.

READ: DA suspends onion importation, says supply enough to meet demand

Based on the complaint filed by Henrick Exconde, Area Manager of BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Division at the Port of Manila – South Harbor, Pasig-based JRA brought in the onions even if the government did not authorize onion importation for most of 2024.

The BPI suspended the issuance of import permits for fresh yellow onions from January 1 to Aug. 19, 2024, saying there was enough supply to meet local demand.

According to the agency, JRA has failed to satisfactorily explain why it imported the onions without securing the necessary sanitary and phytosanitary import clearance, a certification ensuring the vegetables were safe for human consumption and would not spread pests or plant diseases.