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“More convictions are needed to deter agricultural smuggling.” This was Abra lone district Rep. JB Bernos’ reaction to the filing of criminal complaints involving shipments declared as “chicken lollipops” but instead contained onions and carrots, in violation of Republic Act (RA) 10863, or the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act. “We hail the filing of charges […]
The government has stepped up its fight against agricultural smuggling with the signing of a Tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Department of Justice (DOJ), Bureau of Customs (BOC), and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), strengthening efforts to investigate and prosecute those behind activities that threaten farmers’ livelihoods, food security, and consumer welfare. The […]
The Bureau of Customs (BOC), under Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, filed six criminal complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the owner and representatives of an importer, a licensed customs broker, BOC officials and personnel, and other individuals allegedly involved in six shipments misdeclared as “chicken lollipops” to conceal thousands of sacks of fresh onions […]
Bureau of Customs (BOC) Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno assured Filipino farmers that the agency will remain relentless in its fight against agricultural smuggling, emphasizing that protecting local producers, securing national borders, and ensuring proper government revenue collection are among the Bureau’s top priorities. Addressing members of the MAGSASAKA Partylist and farmer leaders from Pampanga, Bataan, Aurora, […]
The Senate hearings on agricultural smuggling and the continuing rise in food prices will resume, Senator Kiko Pangilinan said, underscoring the urgent need to protect farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers from the effects of illegal trade and market manipulation. Despite weeks of leadership deadlock in the Senate, Pangilinan conducted fieldwork and meetings with stakeholders to identify […]
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) has formally endorsed six draft criminal complaints against three consignees to the Department of Finance (DOF) for review and approval pursuant to Republic Act No. 12022. The complaints stem from multiple cases involving the unlawful importation of agricultural products, in violation of Section 7 of Republic Act No. 12022, otherwise […]
Senator Kiko Pangilinan joined hands with Bureau of Customs (BOC) in declaring an all-out war against agricultural smuggling as they led the inspection of two 40-foot containers with smuggled agricultural products worth P12.96 million at the Manila International Container Port (MICP). “Ang mahalaga dito ay nagtutulungan ang ating Committee on Agriculture sa Senado at ang […]
The Bureau of Customs (BOC), through the Bureau of Customs – Port of Manila, intercepted three (3) forty-foot containers of misdeclared fresh carrots from China, uncovering over P13.2 million worth of illicit agricultural goods. District Collector Alexander Gerard Alviar issued an Alert Order after the POM Alert Monitoring Unit received a derogatory report. This prompted […]
Senator Kiko Pangilinan did not mince words as he flagged Chinese companies and individuals, local businessmen, and even government officials and employees behind the multi-million-peso agricultural smuggling that he said continues to impoverish farmers, fisherfolk, and Filipino consumers. During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, Pangilinan pointed out that agricultural […]
Senator Kiko Pangilinan likened agricultural smuggling to the flood control corruption currently gripping the country after slamming government agencies for failing to prosecute smugglers of agricultural products despite billions of pesos worth of seized smuggled goods. In his opening statement during the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform’s inquiry into the rampant agricultural […]