The government is stepping up the crackdown against big-time smugglers and transport operators using "kambal-plaka" or twin vehicle plates.

ACE MORANDANTE/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO President Duterte has ordered authorities to file economic sabotage charges against any person or company smuggling goods worth above P50 million into the country. The President warned that suspected smugglers would be thrown in jail without bail pending their trial. The same strategy will be applied to those illegally using twin or multiple identical motor plates, according to the President. "I’m going to categorize its importation above P50 million an act of economic sabotage. So if you are caught doing it, committing the crime or about the commit, or in fact committed the crime and you are apprehended there somewhere, you will be arrested and you will be detained to face trial," he said during the awarding of outstanding farmers and fisherfolk in Malacañang. "And if it’s more than P50 million, no bail so you rot in prison," he added. In the same speech, the President directed law enforcement authorities to apprehend those involved in the kambal-plaka "racket" in the country. He expressed concern that some transport operators have applied for a franchise but duplicated the motor plate for other unauthorized vehicles. "Pag nahuli ko kayo at nahuli kayo ng highway patrol, LTO (Land Transportation Office), NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) or the police, you will go straight to prison," he said. "I will not allow you to go out until the case is filed in court. I will charge you for economic sabotage and there will be no bail for you. Lahat kayo ," he added. With the intensified campaign against smugglers and illegal public transport operators, the President has directed the country's incoming Philippine National Police chief chief Oscar Albayalde to prepare a bigger prison for the lawbreakers. Duterte also told Albayalde, the National Capital Region Police Office director, not to feed these inmates while in prison. "And sabi ko sa kanya na lakihan mo ‘yung presuhan mo kasi isaksak ko lahat kayo diyan. Huwag kayong bumili ng pagkain kasi huwag ninyong pakainin ‘yung…Sila ang magbili ng sarili nilang pagkain ," he said. Duterte said he tried to be the patient but could no longer bear with those who violate the law. He also offered no apologies for being strict in his peace and order campaign. "I am not the pardoning type. Hindi naman kasi ako pari ," he said. "I’ve been trying for the last so many months to be just be patient and parang good boy lang. Eh ‘di mag-bad boy tayo ‘no. Madali lang man ‘yan All you have to do is to change your attitude. Tutal the language is there already and I do not apologize for it," he said. "There’s no apology asked here. I am what I am and you are what you are," he added.