• The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry filed a formal complaint against JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., along with its directors, for allegedly importing fresh yellow onions in violation of food safety and plant quarantine regulations
• The case, lodged with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office, involves the importation of 25 metric tons of fresh yellow onions from China without the required permits
• The shipment, valued at P2.37 million, arrived at Manila’s South Harbor in July 2024 despite a suspension on import permits for fresh yellow onions from January 1 to August 19 last year
The Department of Agriculture’s (DA) Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has filed a formal complaint against JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., along with its directors, for allegedly importing fresh yellow onions in violation of food safety and plant quarantine regulations.
The case stems from JRA’s unauthorized importation of 25 metric tons of fresh yellow onions from China, valued at approximately P2.37 million, the DA said in a statement. The shipment arrived at Manila’s South Harbor in July 2024 despite a temporary suspension on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSIC) for fresh yellow onions.
Henrick Exconde, area manager of the BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Division at the Port of Manila-South Harbor, lodged the complaint with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
Exconde’s complaint states that from January 1 to August 19 of last year, the BPI ceased issuing SPSICs for fresh yellow onion imports. However, JRA proceeded with its importation without securing the mandatory clearance, which ensures food safety and prevents the introduction of plant pests and diseases.
The complaint also names JRA president Jessica Pascual and directors Jacob Tuballa, Perlita Tuballa, Joezel Tuballa, and Joward Tuballa as respondents. JRA, a registered enterprise with the Securities and Exchange Commission, has yet to provide a satisfactory explanation for bypassing the regulatory requirements.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said the agency’s action aligns with the government’s intensified crackdown on agricultural smuggling, aimed at protecting local farmers and consumers from unfair trade practices and potential health risks.
