Inquirer
DA cites lack of enforcement powers for zero jailed smugglers
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. attributed the lack of convictions for agriculture smugglers to the Department of Agriculture's (DA) limited enforcement powers, despite numerous arrests and seizures.
During a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo highlighted that no major agriculture smugglers have been jailed despite many arrests.
Tulfo questioned why these individuals remain unapprehended and suggested potential collusion within the DA or Bureau of Customs, or both agencies' ineffectiveness.
Laurel clarified that while he shares the desire to see smugglers imprisoned, the DA currently lacks the legal authority to ensure their conviction.
He mentioned that as of 2024, P3 billion worth of smuggled agricultural goods had been seized during his term.
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