Senate cites Chinese national in contempt for alleged agricultural smuggling

The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform has cited Chinese national Chaoqun Shi in contempt for alleged agricultural smuggling and for lying under oath.

Senator Erwin Tulfo initiated the contempt motion, citing frustration over Shi's repeated lies during the hearing.

Shi, identified as a lessee of Vigour Freezer and previously apprehended by the Bureau of Immigration for alleged smuggling, claimed he had no local contacts since arriving in the Philippines in 2017.

Senators questioned how Shi managed a business and dealings with the Bureau of Customs without Filipino associates.

The committee's action follows a raid and inspection that uncovered P100 million worth of undocumented frozen meat products in a warehouse Shi allegedly leased.

The Senate has detained Shi, who was also arrested for attempting to flee the Philippines.

If proven guilty, Shi faces deportation and blacklisting.