House Speaker Martin Romualdez commended the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for its intensified campaign against smuggling, citing the agency’s seizure of P85.1 billion worth of contraband and the successful conduct of over 2,100 anti-smuggling operations in 2024.
But while he recognized these significant achievements, Romualdez reiterated Feb. 14 the urgent need to step up enforcement efforts against agricultural smuggling, which remains a serious threat to local farmers and food security.
He pointed to alarming reports of massive rice shipments left uncollected at ports and the stockpiling of frozen chicken imports, fueling suspicions of deliberate supply manipulation.
He stressed that these immoral and illegal schemes hurt farmers and consumers, distorting prices and putting the nation’s food security at risk.
Romualdez called for stricter border controls, stronger inter-agency coordination, and faster prosecution of smugglers to dismantle these illegal operations. He noted that smuggling is not just an economic problem but a direct attack on farmers, consumers, and the country’s stability.
While acknowledging Customs’ gains in intercepting illegal shipments, Romualdez urged authorities to address systemic weaknesses that allow smuggled goods to enter the country.
Among others, he pushed for advanced monitoring technology, stricter tracking of agricultural imports, and swift action against enablers of smuggling, whether in the private or public sector.
Beyond enforcement, Romualdez stressed the need for government safeguards against price manipulation, ensuring fair market conditions for farmers and consumers alike.
He reaffirmed in a press release from his office the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting legislative measures that would strengthen Customs’ enforcement capabilities and stabilize food prices.
Romualdez expressed confidence that sustained vigilance and decisive action will help curb agricultural smuggling, ensure that farmers will thrive, and protect consumers from unfair trade practices. ||
