Ombudsman Hon. Jesus Crispin C. Remulla confirmed that he met with Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, to discuss the legal procedures regarding the ongoing issue of agricultural smuggling in the country.

“His committee will be assisting in the drive to identify those responsible for the ongoing smuggling activities,” Remulla said in a press briefing this afternoon, 13 March.

During the International Farmers’ Summit Philippines 2026 on 28 February, Pangilinan called on the private sector to support the government’s efforts to combat agricultural smuggling.

“We need the private sector to help us, and I know that your organizations want to see justice for our farmers and fisherfolk. Our agriculture and fisheries sector should not only match countries like Thailand and Vietnam but even outpace them,” he said.

As of this moment, the two government officials are reviewing potential legal options for possible cases to be filed against those perpetrators, Remulla said in his recent press briefing.