Press Release - Chiz says new anti-smuggling law to make food more affordable, provide higher income for farmers, fisherfolk

Senate President Francis "Chiz" G. Escudero said a new law meant to combat rampant smuggling, profiteering and hoarding of agricultural products will make food more affordable and accessible to many Filipinos and provide better income for local farmers.

Escudero said the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a priority measure of the administration which is scheduled to be signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 26, 2024, gives more teeth to government efforts to run after smugglers whose illegal activities are hurting local farmers and fisherfolk, as well as consumers.

"Isang malaking hakbang patungo sa pagpapatupad ng layunin ng pamahalaan na makapag-hatid ng murang pagkain sa bawat tahanan ang pagpasa ng Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act," Escudero said.

"Smugglers, hoarders and profiteers have long served as a monkey wrench to our efforts toward attaining food security. With this law, we are optimistic that more Filipinos will now have greater access to affordable and nutritious food," the Senate chief added.

Under the new law, agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, cartel and financing of these crimes are classified as acts of economic sabotage and thus carry a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of three times the value of agricultural and fishery products subject of the crime.

For acts that aid in the commission of agricultural economic sabotage such as the transport and storage of the smuggled goods, the penalty imposed will be 20 to 30 years jail term and a fine of twice the value of the agricultural and fishery products subject of the crime.

"Farmers, fisherfolk, livestock and poultry raisers, and legitimate traders have long been suffering from the operations of smugglers and other individuals and groups engaged in the manipulation of the market. With the new law, we expect to see lower food prices and better incomes for our stakeholders in the agriculture sector," Escudero said.

"The new law sends a strong message that the government will use all its resources to hold accountable individuals and groups who engage in smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and other uncompetitive and exploitative practices in the