powers

DA Calls for Expanded Role ‌in Anti-Smuggling Efforts

MANILA – The Department of Agriculture (DA) ‍is seeking amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act to grant it direct enforcement ⁣powers,arguing its exclusion from ​the core enforcement group hinders efforts ⁤to combat agricultural⁢ smuggling. DA spokesman Arnel de ⁢Mesa stated the ⁣agency’s current position limits its effectiveness in tackling the issue.

The⁣ Anti-Agricultural ‌Economic Sabotage Enforcement group – ‌comprised of the National Bureau of Examination, the Philippine National Police, the Philippine ​Coast Guard, and the Department of Finance – was established under‍ Republic⁤ Act 12022.​ While the DA is a member of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council, it ​is indeed not part of the enforcement team.⁤

The DA is requesting a repeal of Section 18⁣ of RA 12022 to allow its inclusion in the enforcement group.de⁤ Mesa explained that‍ the‌ DA’s regulatory‍ bureaus – including those for Plant and Animal Industry, and Fisheries and Aquatic Resources – possess crucial data on‍ agricultural‍ commodity imports,‍ making them‍ a valuable asset to ⁢the ⁢team.

“The DA would be an ‌asset to the group,since the agency’s ⁢regulatory bureaus…have the data on agricultural commodities entering the ports,” de Mesa said.

The DA also advocates for a review of the current P10 million threshold for offenses to be considered economic sabotage, arguing it is too high for⁢ typical smuggled goods.De Mesa noted that the high threshold necessitates a large‌ volume of smuggled, frequently enough inexpensive, goods before an investigation can be launched, allowing the goods to impact market prices and inventories in the meantime. He called for a thorough review⁤ considering the varying​ values of different agricultural commodities.

Since January 2024, the DA​ has intercepted approximately⁢ P3.78 billion worth of smuggled goods in 182 operations, ⁣including vegetables ⁣like onions and carrots, and‌ also fish and rice. The agency believes direct enforcement capabilities would enable it to monitor all ports and further bolster its anti-smuggling efforts. The proliferation of these smuggled goods, the DA says, negatively impacts the livelihoods of ⁣local ⁢farmers and⁢ fishers.