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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DA blacklists 10 firms over 'smuggling, illegal trade' activities

DA blacklists 10 firms over 'smuggling, illegal trade' activities

Published Dec 10, 2024 07:22 am
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DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. (JEL SANTOS/MANILA BULLETIN)

In what it calls its most aggressive action to date, the Department of Agriculture (DA) has blacklisted 10 companies in the past six months for allegedly engaging in smuggling and illegal trade.

The DA said it blacklisted several companies, including LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., Betron Consumer Goods Trading, RCNN Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading, for allegedly importing food products without required sanitary and phytosanitary clearances.

The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) also identified companies involved in “anti-competitive practices,” such as price manipulation and collusion. These firms include La Reina Fresh Vegetables Young Indoor Plants Inc., Vegefru Producing Store, and Yom Trading Corp.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. noted that the number of companies blacklisted in the past six months exceeds the total from the last six years combined.

“This should serve as a clear warning to those who attempt to challenge our resolve in going after smugglers and unscrupulous traders whose illegal activities harm our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers,” he said in a statement released Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Such action, according to the DA, is part of its intensified campaign to combat agricultural smuggling, profiteering, hoarding, and cartel operations that destabilize the market and raise food prices.

The DA chief credited the recent passage of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act for bolstering the government’s capacity to take action against violators.

Meanwhile, BPI Director Gerald Glenn Panganiban confirmed that the licenses of the implicated firms have been revoked, while non-licensed importers were banned due to derogatory findings.

The DA assured the public that it would continue to take decisive action against violators to protect the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and safeguard consumer welfare.

Laurel has vowed to continue to hold violators accountable and take further measures to ensure the integrity of the country’s agricultural trade system.

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