Tulfo hits DA over special import permits despite fish oversupply

Sen. Raffy Tulfo slammed the Department of Agriculture (DA) for continuously issuing special importation permits or Certificates of Necessity to Import (CNI) despite the oversupply of fish and seafood in the country.

At a Senate agriculture hearing, Tulfo pointed out that places like General Santos and Bohol already have abundant supply, yet local products often go to waste due to the lack of cold storage. He said importation threatens the livelihood of local fisherfolk.

“Kahit may oversupply na tayo ng seafood products, patuloy pa rin ang Department of Agriculture (DA) sa pag-isyu ng special import permits sa mga importer,” the senator said.

He added, “Unfair ito para sa mga mangingisda natin na nalulugi dahil madalas nasisira na ang produkto nila! Paano sila makikipagsabayan kung ang mga imported na isda, na balita ko ang iba galing pa sa China, ay ibinebenta nang sobrang mura?”

Tulfo required the DA to conduct a market study before approving any importation and to coordinate with the Bureau of Customs to prevent smuggling, undervaluation, and misdeclaration of imported products.

DA Undersecretary Carlos Carag and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno assured Tulfo that both agencies will work together to ensure special import permits are strictly monitored.IMT