Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan called for tougher government action against agricultural smuggling, warning it threatens food security and national stability.
In a Senate agriculture committee hearing, Pangilinan said systemic smuggling weakens farmers, fisherfolk, and local food production.
He lamented the government’s “lackluster” response, stressing that continued inaction endangers the country’s ability to feed its growing population during crises.
Pangilinan said ongoing investigations point to Chinese syndicates—operating like banned POGOs—working with corrupt officials who allow unsafe smuggled products into the country in exchange for kickbacks. This, he said, keeps local agriculture stunted and food prices high.
He noted that from 2021 to 2025, only 4 out of 132 smuggling cases were filed with the DOJ due to the Bureau of Customs’ failure to submit proper documents, resulting in dismissals and no major financiers being jailed.
The senator urged reforms including e-tracking, stronger inter-agency coordination, and warehouse audits to boost transparency and accountability.IMT
