Manila Bulletin
Group backs use of new law with stricter penalty for agricultural smugglers
The Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines, Inc. (AGAP) praised Agriculture Secretary Francis Tiu Laurel's plan to file a stronger case against importers of seized frozen mackerel for violating the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AGES) Act.
AGAP stated that illegal activities like the smuggling of mackerel significantly harm the local agriculture and fisheries sectors, impacting farmers and fisherfolk.
Secretary Tiu Laurel announced that the case against the importers of P202 million worth of smuggled mackerel should be filed under Republic Act No. 12022, or the AGES Act, rather than the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act (CMTA).
AGAP Partylist Rep. Nick Briones argued that the CMTA is an ineffective law for smugglers as it is a bailable offense, resulting in no one being incarcerated.
In contrast, the AGES Act, signed into law in September 2024, is a non-bailable offense with penalties including lifetime imprisonment and fines five times the value of the smuggled goods, ensuring those involved are jailed.
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