Mayor Abby calls for stricter laws against agri-product smuggling, hoarding

Senatorial candidate and Makati Mayor Abby Binay called for stricter enforcement of laws against hoarding, smuggling, and profiteering, urging authorities to ensure the prosecution and imprisonment of those responsible.

In a press conference Tuesday with the Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial slate, Binay said the problem lies not in a lack of legislation but in the weak enforcement of existing laws.

She pointed out that despite current laws, the public has yet to hear of any rice smugglers or price manipulators being arrested and punished. She stressed the need for aggressive action to target rice cartels and smugglers, who she said are primarily responsible for the rising costs of rice and other agricultural products.

"Kailangan talagang may mga masampulan at maipakulong para matakot ang ibang mga katulad nila. Madalas naibabalita ang pagkahuli ng smugglers at hoarders ng agricultural products, pero pagkatapos non, wala na. Kailangang tutukan ng mga ahensyang tulad ng Department of Agriculture at Bureau of Customs ang mga kaso para tiyaking makukulong ang mga salarin (There really needs to be some arrests and imprisonment to make others like them fear the consequences. Smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products are often reported to be caught, but after that, nothing happens. Agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs need to focus on these cases to ensure that the perpetrators are imprisoned)," Binay said.

She also emphasized the role of the media in holding authorities accountable, calling for consistent coverage of how cases are handled in the courts and by prosecutors.

Binay stressed the importance of keeping these cases in the public eye until the perpetrators are convicted and sent to prison.

Under Republic Act 12022, the "Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act," those convicted of agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, or engaging in cartels face life imprisonment and fines five times the value of the agricultural or fishery products involved. These acts are considered economic sabotage under the law.