Daily TribuneFailure to present documents, missing operational reports, or attempts to manipulate digital records can lead to fines, suspension, or even criminal charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act.
Photo courtesy of DA
The Department of Agriculture (DA) is tightening the rules for agricultural storage facilities. Warehouses and cold storage operators are now required to register under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, as part of the government’s push to curb smuggling and market abuse.
Under the new guidelines, all facilities storing agricultural and fishery products — whether owned, leased, or operated by a third party — must enroll in the DA Online Registration System. This covers everything from rice warehouses and onion cold storage units to meat freezers, grain silos, refrigerated container vans, and agricultural storage tanks handling both local and imported goods.
DA Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the move is about having a clear picture of the supply chain. “We cannot stop smuggling, protect public health, or safeguard our farmers if we do not know where the stocks are,” he said. “Registration lets the government track supplies and act quickly against hoarding, illegal imports, or other abusive practices that hurt Filipino producers and consumers.”
The new policy puts into action Section 6 of Republic Act 12022. Facilities must keep complete and auditable records for at least five years, showing storage capacity, commodities handled, and inventory levels. Monthly records and quarterly electronic reports must also be submitted to the appropriate regulatory agencies.
Violations won’t be taken lightly. Failure to present documents, missing operational reports, or attempts to manipulate digital records can lead to fines, suspension, or even criminal charges under the Cybercrime Prevention Act. Licenses and registrations may also be revoked if operators fail to comply, especially when public safety is at risk.
The DA says the digital registry will help improve traceability, strengthen food safety oversight, and provide reliable data to flag unusual stockpiling that could manipulate prices. Smaller operators, like sari-sari stores, wet market vendors, and registered barangay micro businesses with assets under P3 million, are exempt. But for bigger players, registration is now mandatory, and enforcement will be closely monitored.
