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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Firms behind substandard fertilizers must pay the price, says ranking solon

Firms behind substandard fertilizers must pay the price, says ranking solon

Published Aug 22, 2026 08:34 pm

At A Glance

  • Rep. JB Bernos urges jailing companies that sell substandard fertilizers to protect farmers and government from abuse.
  • The FPA files a criminal complaint against DO's Asia Chemical Trading Corp. over alleged violations in a P25.67‑million Caraga fertilizer contract.
  • Bernos praises the FPA and DA for pursuing cases, stressing strict regulation ensures public safety and product effectiveness.
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos (Facebook)
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos (Facebook)


A vice chairman of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability says the proverbial hammer must come down on companies that profit off the sale of substandard fertilizers, if only to serve as an example against this unscrupulous practice.
Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos says the key to this is placing such swindlers behind bars.
“We must be relentless in putting to justice those who seek to hoodwink the government and our farmers by violating fertilizer regulations and selling questionable fertilizer products," he said.
"Hanggang hindi nakukulong ang mga manlolokong ito ay patuloy ang walang habas na pangaabuso ng sistema at pangdedehado sa ating pamahalaan at mga magsasaka,” added Bernos, also a member of the Committee on Agriculture Food.
(Until these swindlers are imprisoned, the unchecked abuse of the system and the betrayal of our government and farmers will continue.)
Bernos’ statement comes on the heels of the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority’s (FPA) filing of a criminal complaint following an alleged violation of fertilizer regulations in the Caraga region.
The complaint involved Davao-based enterprise DO's Asia Chemical Trading Corp. and its president in connection with a P25.67-million government procurement contract for inorganic fertilizers for farmers in Caraga. 
The FPA said the company allegedly conducted fertilizer dealership activities in Caraga without the required authorization, despite holding licenses to operate only in the Davao region.
The company also allegedly used the prohibited “Spinning Palanggana” fertilizer production method, which has been banned as it cannot consistently ensure fertilizer quality and uniformity.
DO’s Asia was further alleged to have supplied a fertilizer product registered under another manufacturer’s name without first obtaining the required Third-Party Authorization from the FPA.
The Luzon lawmaker lauded the FPA and the Department of Agriculture for “their bravery and diligence” in investigating and eventually filing cases against erring companies.
The FPA also previously sued the owner of DQB Green Agricultural Products Trading for allegedly manufacturing regulated fertilizer products without a license in North Cotabato.
“We have to be firm in ensuring that the products that reach the market and consumers and farmers use pass regulations. Not out of undue strictness, but because these could spell the difference between public safety and harm; effectiveness versus inutility," Bernos said.

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