House OKs bill amending law vs agri smuggling

THE House of Representatives approved, on third and final reading, the proposed «Anti Agri-Fishery Commodities and Tobacco Economic Sabotage Act.»

House Bill 9284 hurdled the final reading early Wednesday, with over 280 lawmakers voting in the affirmative, none in the negative, and no abstention.

If passed into law, the bill will amend the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had certified the measure as urgent.

«This landmark legislation aims to boost the productivity of the agricultural sector and protect Filipino farmers and agricultural enterprises from unscrupulous entities that exploit the current legal framework,» said Rep. Wilfrido Enverga of Quezon province's first district in a statement on Tuesday.

Enverga is the chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Food.

«House Bill 9284 seeks to improve law enforcement, case buildup, and prosecution of the range of crimes covered in the amendments. All these will make sure the heavier penalties are meted out,» Enverga said.

Gabriela Women's Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas voted yes with reservations.