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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bong Go urges gov't: Expedite probe on agricultural smuggling

Bong Go urges gov't: Expedite probe on agricultural smuggling

Published Dec 23, 2022 12:58 pm

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Friday, December 23 called on the government to hasten the investigations on agricultural smuggling and make those who would be found guilty to be held accountable.

Go said the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) should conduct an in-depth probe into the smuggling issue in order to further safeguard the welfare and interests of small farmers and agricultural workers.

“I am calling on our DOJ, our (Bureau of) Customs (to) take a good look at these (issues regarding) smuggling because our small farmers are affected by it),” Go said in a statement.

“Smugglers, and their accomplices, should be prosecuted immediately. Jail those who should be jailed because the small farmers are the most affected,” the senator uged.

He said the government should intensify its campaign against smuggling as it harms the livelihood of ordinary Filipinos.

“We have an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law and they may be charged with economic sabotage if a large volume is caught from them,” said Go, citing Republic Act No. 10845.

The BOC recently reported that it has confiscated more than P1-billion worth of smuggled agricultural products since the start of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s administration.

BOC Spokesperson Arnaldo dela Torre Jr. assured that the agency is doubling its efforts against agricultural smuggling as part of the President’s directive.

Go said he condemns any form of smuggling and illegal entry of products in the country. He warned that failure to curb smuggling would be a great disservice to all Filipino farmers who have been sustaining the country’s food security even in the midst of a COVID-19 pandemic.

“Huwag po nating pabayaan na lumusot itong mga smuggler dahil itong mga smuggler na ito, mayayaman naman itong mga ito at nakikinabang po ang mayayaman at hindi ang mahihirap (Let's not allow let them to sneak in because these smugglers are already rich and those who benefit are the rich and not the poor,” he stressed.

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Bong Go DOJ BOC agricultural smuggling
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