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DOF vows strong enforcement against agri-smugglers

Business

DOF vows strong enforcement against agri-smugglers

By Manila Bulletin

The Department of Finance (DOF) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) vowed to enforce the new law designed to combat smuggling and hoarding of agricultural products, ensuring a stable food supply for Filipinos.

Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto said that the recently signed Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, expands the definition of economic sabotage to include a wider range of agricultural products.

“The new law gives more teeth to the government to relentlessly run after smugglers whose illegal activities undermine our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers,” Recto said in a statement on Friday, Sept. 27.

Signed by President Marcos on Sept. 26, the law now covers livestock, aquatic products, and tobacco.

Recto stated that the legislation empowers the government to take strong action against smugglers whose illegal activities undermine local farmers and consumers.

Under the new law, offenders face life imprisonment and fines up to five times the value of the products involved. The BOC is now equipped with enhanced authority to enforce the law and identify violators.

“This Act will not only help the BOC penalize those who violate the law but will also act as a clear deterrent to future offenders,” BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Y. Rubio.

The BOC has committed to fully enforcing the law to stabilize agricultural prices and protect local industries.

To strengthen its fight against agricultural smuggling, the BOC has implemented improved intelligence and technology strategies.

From January 2023 to August 2024, the agency reported 1,803 seizures of smuggled agricultural products, valued at approximately P3.70 billion. (Derco Rosal)

Related Tags

Department of Finance (DOF) Bureau of Customs (BoC) agricultural smuggling

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