By Veronica Corral
The Department of Agriculture (DA) tapped the Department of Justice (DOJ) to fast track the investigation against smugglers of agricultural products.
In the April 25 Laging Handa briefing, DA Undersecretary Fermin Adriano said the DOJ took over the probe against four suspected individuals who allegedly instigated the smuggling of vegetables and fruits in the country.
Adriano said the Department already coordinated with the DOJ and the Bureau of Customs (BOC), but hoped the DA would acquire power to conduct an investigation on its own. He noted that a Congress hearing is still underway for the Department’s appeal.
“Sana mabigyan din kami ng kapangyarihan para mas madali naming maiproseso ‘yung kaso kasi kami ang nakaupo doon eh, together with the BOC sa ating mga ports,” he said.
The DA also asked the DOJ to intensify and “make the process much faster” since local farmers are suffering from the smuggling cases.
“Mas matindi nga ‘yung impact doon sa ating mga magsasaka kasi na-co-compete doon sa mga local product natin like coconut. Maraming mahirap na nga na magsasaka tapos mag-co-compete pa ‘yan,” Adriano added.
According to Adriano, local farmers complained that the producer price index (PPI) or the farmgate price did not translate to the retail price imposed by the traders. He said that the PPI and retail price must be distinguished.
“Kasi ito palaging nagiging problema nga, complain ng mga magsasaka mababa sa producer price pero pag tinignan mo ‘ron sa retail price mataas diba?,” he said.
“Hindi tumataas ‘yung producers price pero may nananamantala along the way na mga traders eh. Na bakit hindi nag-ta-translate ‘yung farmgate price doon sa retail price kase masyado tayong maraming layers ng mga traders,” he added.
Adriano said that palm oil is also being smuggled through a misdeclaration.
“Kasi pumapasok siya na tinatawag nating animal feeds so pakain sa mga hayop. Pero may mga kumpanya na meron silang kapabalidad na i-process, refine, tapos bleach and deodorize, magagawa nilang ordinary cooking oil,” he said.
“Walang taripa [ang animal feeds], walang tax. Pero pag pinasok mo po ng oil, cooking oil ‘yan, 15% ang nata-tax so malaking kawalan sa gobyerno ‘yon,” he added.
Adriano said around P40 to P45 billion in revenues are lost due to smuggling of palm oil.
“Natunugan natin kasi masyadong biglang tumaas ‘yung animal feed importation noong panahon ng pandemya na umabot ng 40 million na dati ay 8 million lang,” he said. – gb
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