Stronger penalties urged for agricultural smuggling

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez is pushing for “more severe” punishment for agricultural smugglers and price manipulators, saying these acts are considered “economic sabotage” and “stronger legislative reforms” are needed to deter such unlawful activities.

“We will strengthen the laws, ensuring that those who sabotage our economy with price manipulation and smuggling face longer jail terms and harsher penalties. The days of leniency are over,” Romualdez said.

He made the statement yesterday in reaction to the recent identification of 12 key members of an onion cartel in the Philippines who are now facing a staggering P2.4 billion in fines as an offshoot of the House probe that the Speaker initiated.

According to the Enforcement Office of the Philippine Competition Commission, it had filed charges and recommended penalties amounting to P2.42 billion against 12 onion traders and importers for allegedly operating as a cartel since 2019.

“Economic sabotage is a crime of the highest order. The law demands life imprisonment for large-scale agricultural smuggling, and we will make sure those responsible face the full force of justice,” he added.

The cartels, Romualdez said, “are not just committing fraud; they are endangering our food security and destroying the livelihoods of our farmers.”

He said the P2.4-billion fine levied on the cartel members is a significant step in the government’s broader campaign against agricultural smuggling.

‘DA, BPI also liable in onion cartel’

Farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) yesterday said that along with the 12 traders allegedly involved in the onion cartel, charges should also be filed against officials of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI).

At a press conference, SINAG executive director Jayson Cainglet noted that as early as 2013, Sen. Cynthia Villar, chair of the Senate committee on agriculture and food, has recommended the filing of cases against the 12 traders.

Named in the Statement of Objection are Philippine Vieva Group of Companies (Phil. Vieva Group), Tian Long Corp., La Reina Fresh Vegetables & Young Indoor Plants, Yom Trading Corp., Vegetable Importers, Exporters & Vendors Association of the Philippines (VIEVA Phils.) and Golden Shine International Freight Forwarders.

Also named as individual respondents are Lilia Cruz as vice president of Phil. Vieva Group, chair and president of Golden Shine and chair of VIEVA Phils.; Eric Pabilona as board member of Phil. Vieva Group, corporate executive officer of Golden Shine and corporate secretary of Tian Long; Renato Francisco Jr. as board member of Phil. Vieva Group, president of La Reina and chairman and president of Yom Trading; Letty Baculando, board member of Phil. Vieva Group and incorporator of Golden Shine; Mark Castro Ocampo, sole proprietor of Vegefru Producing Store and Nancy Callanta Rosal, sole proprietor of Rosal Fruit and Vegetable Trading.

“The PCC should also look into the possible liabilities of regulatory agencies. Why were these traders allowed to continue to import, despite that they were already suspected (of being) part of the cartel?” Cainglet said.

He added that the BPI should not have allowed the issuance of import permits to the unscrupulous traders.

SINAG chairman Rosendo So said it was the DA that allowed the procurement of onions in 2022, despite being overpriced at P720 per kilo.

“That time, the wholesale price of onions increased by P180, but the retail price went up to P720 per kilo. So, the government should really address the disconnection. It was the government who bought the onions at P720 per kilo,” So said. — Bella Cariaso