Intensified fight vs smuggling urged

A SENATOR on Monday called on the Agriculture department and the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to intensify its operations against agricultural smuggling, noting that illegal imports could undermine local farmers and distort market prices as the onion harvest approaches.

“As the onion harvest season approaches, we must ensure that our farmers are protected against unfair competition from imported and smuggled onions,” Senator Francis Pancratius N. Pangilinan, who heads the Agriculture panel, said in a statement.

He also warned of potential hoarding by onion cartels that could lead to the artificial increase in onion prices. The onion harvest season typically begins in February until May.

Mr. Pangilinan said the government must strictly monitor ports of entry and coordinate with agencies to protect farmers from the potential impacts of smuggled onions.

“The illegal entry of agricultural produce at this critical time defeats the purpose of supporting local agricultural production and jeopardizes the livelihood of our farmers,” he added.

He also called on the BoC to bolster inspection and enforcement efforts against syndicates that exploit seasonal demand to smuggle agricultural goods.

“Strengthening border controls and ensuring transparency in importation policies are essential to stabilizing prices for consumers while safeguarding the income of local farmers,” he said. — Adrian H. Halili