Sen. Bong Go reissued his call for the government to prioritize the welfare of small farmers and agricultural workers as he emphasized the need to eliminate agricultural smuggling, which has adverse impacts on the livelihoods of Filipino farmers nationwide.

This after farmers' organization Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura earlier reported that there are currently 20 agriproduct smugglers active in the country, importing white and red onions, rice, and frozen meat products illegally.

"Ang apela ko po sa (Bureau of) Customs, Department of Agriculture, executive department, unahin n'yo po ang kapakanan ng local farmers," said Go during an ambush interview after personally aiding struggling residents in Pandi, Bulacan on Monday, December 12.

"Hulihin n'yo po ang mga smuggler, panagutin, kasuhan. Hindi lang kasuhan, ikulong po kung dapat ikulong," he added.

Go pleaded for swift legal action in the event of any wrongdoing, so that those responsible could be brought to justice and punished.

"'Dapat ikulong yung mga nananamantala at proteksyunan natin ang kapakanan ng ating local farmers," he stressed.

"Kasi kapag naproteksyunan natin ang local farmers, dalawa po yan. Ibig sabihin natulungan natin sila, nabigyan natin ng hanapbuhay, trabaho at may laman po ang kanilang tiyan," he added.