BBM signs anti-agri economic sabotage law

Stiffer penalties await those who smuggle agricultural products as President Marcos yesterday signed into law a measure declaring the act as economic sabotage, a crime he described as a "betrayal" and a threat to the economy and national security.

- BY ALEXIS ROMERO

Republic Act 12022 or the AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Act seeks to protect farmers, fisherfolk and consumers by defining and penalizing crimes related to agricultural economic sabotage like smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel activities.

It establishes a daily price index, introduces registration requirements for businesses dealing with agricultural goods and establishes an AntiAgricultural Economic Sabotage Council led by the President.

"Economic sabotage in agriculture is not simply a tale of dubious deals and inflated profits; it manifests as well as hunger, desperation, betrayal," Marcos said during the signing ceremony.

"Let us then acknowledge the gravity of the situation: these crimes threaten not only our economy but our national security as well. It jeopardizes the livelihood of hardworking Filipino farmers and fisherfolk and it threatens the food sustainability of our communities," he added.

According to Marcos, the Philippines lost a "staggering" amount of more than P3 billion to agricultural smuggling in 2023 alone. In less than nine months this year, authorities seized over P230 million worth of smuggled agricultural products.

"Every sack of smuggled rice, every under-the-table onion deal, every substandard meat sneaking past our quarantine checks - these are not just numbers; they represent lives, families and futures that are being compromised," the Chief Executive said.

He also called on cartels that "manipulate the prices and control supplies," saying the signing of the new law "will set in motion transformative outcomes." The newly enacted law repeals RA 10845 or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.