Senator Cynthia Villar says a bill passed recently by the Senate will strengthen government measures to curb agricultural smuggling.
The bill, called Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, will also establish an Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Court under the jurisdiction of the Court of Tax Appeals, and a special team of prosecutors from the Department of Justice to expedite the disposition of agri-economic sabotage cases. Despite the existing law being in place for seven years, Villar pointed out that no one has been jailed for smuggling rice and other agricultural goods. She expressed optimism that the new legislation will address the suffering of Filipino farmers and consumers caused by corruption.
Last Wednesday, May 22, the Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act before adjourning the 2nd Regular Session of the 19th Congress.