The Department of Agriculture (DA) proudly announced it had blacklisted 10 companies in the past six months for smuggling and other malpractices, as part of its strengthened campaign against these nefarious activities that disrupt the market to the prejudice of local farmers.
After blacklisting them, now what?
The DA must pursue vigorously the filing of economic sabotage complaints against them– with the recent signing of the anti-agricultural economic sabotage law, which was strengthened to include smuggling as economic sabotage and therefore subject to stiff penalties and prison terms.
Blog site Bilyonaryo reported DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel saying this feat was achieved in the past six years.
So long ago, but no one has heard if they were ever charged and tried for this crime.
Those blacklisted include LVM Grains Enterprises, Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading, JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., Betron Consumer Goods Trading, RCNN Non-Specialized Wholesale Trading, and Golden Rays Consumer Trading
The DA said Kysse Lishh, RCNN, Chastity Consumer Goods Trading, and Golden Rays lack import licenses, making them ineligible to import agricultural products.
The DA also blacklisted La Reina Fresh Vegetables Young Indoor Plants Inc., Vegefru Producing Store, and Yom Trading Corp. Although these companies are licensed importers, they have been accused of colluding to manipulate onion prices.
The Philippine Competition Commission (PSC) has already filed charges against them.
“This should serve as a clear warning to those who attempt to challenge our resolve in going after smugglers and unscrupulous traders whose illegal activities harm our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers,” Laurel said.
This crackdown follows the passage of the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, which strengthens efforts to address illegal activities within the agricultural sector.
Photo Courtesy: PNA
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