Gov't steps up drive vs agri smuggling, cartels

The Marcos administration is intensifying its crackdown on illegal trade activities in the agriculture sector, targeting large-scale smugglers, hoarders, profiteers and cartel operators who disrupt supply chains and threaten the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

- CHRISTINE BOTON

On Wednesday, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council held its inaugural meeting at Malacañang to enforce the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act or Republic Act 12022 enacted last October.

The law imposes stiffer penalties, including longer prison sentences and heavier fines, on those found engaged in agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and cartel activities.

Chaired by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick Go, the meeting formalized the establishment of teams tasked with enforcing the new law.