President Marcos has certified as urgent the bill that would protect farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers amid rising prices and shortages of agricultural products due to what he called "nefarious acts."

Marcos signed the letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Sept. 20.

In his letter, the President wrote that he wanted the immediate enactment of Senate Bill No. 2432, which would define the crime of agricultural economic sabotage, provide penalties, and create an anti-agricultural economic sabotage council.

"The need to facilitate the passage of this important piece of legislation is imperative, especially now that the country is beset by rising prices and shortages in agricultural products," he said.

Marcos said these rising prices and shortages were partly due to "nefarious acts" such as smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartels.

According to the President, the measure would promote the productivity of the agriculture sector and protect farmers and fisherfolk from unscrupulous traders and importers.

He added that the proposed bill, which repeals the Anti-Agrciltural Smuggling Act of 2016, would likewise ensure reasonable and affordable prices of agricultural and fishery products for consumers.

Based on the proposed measure, government officers or employees found to be an accomplice in the commission of the crime shall "suffer the additional penalties of perpetual disqualification from holding public office, exercising the right to vote, from participating in any public election, and forfeiture of employment monetary and financial benefits."

When an offender is a juridical person, criminal liability shall be attached to all officers who participated in the decision that led to the commission of the crime, with a penalty of perpetual absolute disqualification to engage in any business involving importation, transportation, storage and warehousing, and domestic trade of agricultural and fishery products.

Government authorities also have the right to confiscate the agricultural and fishery products involved in the prohibited acts and the properties used in the commission of the crime of agricultural economic sabotage like vehicles, vessels, aircraft, storage areas, warehouses, boxes, cases, trunks, and other containers of whatever character used as a receptacle of agricultural and fishery products.

The proposed measure was among the expanded Common Legislative Agenda discussed during the third LEDAC Meeting in Malacañan on Wednesday.

The bill is now pending in the period of interpellations in the Senate, while a Technical Working Group is currently finalizing the version of the House of Representatives.