-
The Department of Finance, alongside the Bureau of Customs, is ready to fully implement the new law that puts an end to rampant smuggling, cartels, profiteering, and hoarding of agricultural products
-
Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act was signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 26, 2024
-
The new legislation expands the coverage of illegal activities classified as acts of economic sabotage involving agricultural products not previously covered under the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016
The Department of Finance, alongside the Bureau of Customs, is ready to fully implement the new law that puts an end to rampant smuggling, cartels, profiteering, and hoarding of agricultural products, Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said in a statement.
Republic Act No. 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act was signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 26, 2024.
The new law expands the coverage of illegal activities classified as acts of economic sabotage involving agricultural products not previously covered under the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.
Agricultural products will now cover livestock, aquatic products, and tobacco.
According to Recto: “The new law gives more teeth to the government to relentlessly run after smugglers whose illegal activities undermine our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers.”
He added that via a “stronger and stricter crack down on these offenders, we protect our people’s access to affordable goods.”
Recto also said that the new law “sends a very strong message” to smugglers, hoarders, and profiteers that their days of “unscrupulous activities” are numbered.
Those found guilty face a penalty of life imprisonment or five times the value of the agricultural and fishery products subject to the crime.
The BOC has been empowered to conduct and implement the Letter of Authority to act against corporations or entities involved in economic sabotage, with clear parameters to identify and penalize unlawful practices.
Customs Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio said the Act will not only help the bureau penalize violators of the law, but also act as deterrent to future offenses.
“The Bureau reaffirms its commitment to ensuring the provisions of the Act are fully implemented to stabilize agricultural prices and protect local industries,” he said.
The BOC, he said, has implemented various strategies to bolster its efforts against agricultural smuggling including enhanced intelligence coordination, integration of technology for better border control, and strict enforcement and legal measures.
From January to August, this year, the BO conducted 1,803 agri smuggling seizure operations, with an estimated value of P3.70 billion.
