DA seeks legislative powers to fight agri-smuggling

The Department of Agriculture (DA) is requesting legislative backing to grant it enforcement powers, which are deemed crucial for effectively combating agricultural smuggling.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. emphasized that the current law, Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, lacks the necessary enforcement mechanisms for the DA to directly hold smugglers accountable.

He described agricultural smuggling as economic sabotage that significantly harms local farmers and fisherfolk.

Despite intensified operations and seizures, smugglers continue to operate, highlighting the urgent need for the DA to have direct authority to pursue those involved in the illicit trade.

The DA-IE confiscated PHP3.78 billion worth of smuggled agricultural and fishery products from January 2024 to July 2025 through 182 operations.

This year, the DA-IE seized approximately PHP953 million worth of smuggled products from about 111 operations.

During a Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian hearing, Secretary Laurel specifically requested the Senate panel for additional authority to curb and apprehend smugglers, separate from the enforcement group of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council (AESC).