Marcos orders probe into officials linked to agri-smuggling

On Tuesday, May 20, Palace press officer Claire Castro confirmed that investigations into government officials allegedly involved in agricultural smuggling are ongoing.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the probe as part of his commitment to curb corruption and smuggling, emphasizing his promise to investigate many cases.

Marcos mentioned during a podcast following the 2025 midterm elections that some officials were engaged in both legal and illegal rice imports, contributing to high prices.

The president accused these officials of lacking understanding of agricultural processes and farmers' earnings, suggesting the need for policy changes and personnel replacements.

Castro clarified that any reports reaching the President will be verified and investigated by the Department of Justice before charges are filed.

Congress passed Republic Act 12022 in September 2024 to enforce stricter penalties for agricultural economic sabotage, including life imprisonment and hefty fines.

The Marcos Jr. administration has launched a pilot program to sell rice at P20 per kilogram to indigent communities using NFA warehouse stocks.