Aggie group hits operation of Thai firm

MANILA, Philippines - Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones yesterday expressed fear that if the operation of Thai firm Chareon Pokphand (CP) will not be stopped, the livestock and poultry industry in the Philippines will die.

In a statement, Briones said CP is a multibillion-peso company but the government, particularly the Bureau of Investment (BOI), gave it a six-year tax holiday.

He said BOI did not even consult the stakeholders of the livestock and poultry industry, even the Department of Agriculture, before it allowed the Thai firm to put up its business in the country.

At least two House committees – agriculture and food, and food security – have conducted an investigation and recommended the cancellation of the CP contract.

AGAP is planning to file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court asking for a temporaryrestraining order against CP’s operation in the country.