The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council agreed to intensify its crackdown on major smugglers, hoarders, profiteers, and cartel operators.
Guided by its mandate under the AAES Act, the Council reaffirmed that its enforcement efforts will focus on dismantling major syndicates that manipulate markets and unfairly drive up prices.
“Protecting consumers entails going after the root of the problem – large-scale economic saboteurs who distort our agricultural and fisheries markets,” said Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs (SAPIEA) Frederick Go, who serves as President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s permanent representative to the Council.
Go emphasized that with the law now in effect and enforcement mechanisms operational, the council is well-equipped to pursue offenders aggressively in pursuit of “stable food prices and a better quality of life for all Filipinos.”
During its second meeting, the Council strengthened its enforcement guidelines with the approval of operational protocols presented by the Department of Justice (DOJ), providing a structured framework for coordinated action against major market saboteurs.
It also directed the Department of Agriculture (DA) to continue strengthening and maintaining the Daily Price Index (DPI), as a crucial tool for tracking prices and promoting market transparency.
The Council committed to regular audits and public dissemination of the DPI to deter price manipulation.
The AAES also called for the strict adherence to guidelines for declaring ‘abnormal situations’, particularly on market disruptions triggered by economic sabotage or other supply chain issues.
The Council’s Enforcement Group, comprising the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, and Department of Finance, was authorized to carry out its mandate following the approval of the rules of engagement, enabling it to identify and pursue smuggling and profiteering networks.
Meanwhile, the Council ensured that the DOJ-appointed Special Team of Prosecutors is fully prepared to expedite the filing and resolution of cases under the AAES Act.
In addition, the Council directed relevant agencies to advance the full implementation of the National Single Window (NSW) system through the DOF, Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), and Bureau of Customs (BOC), and ensuring readiness of storage facilities for goods that will be seized to ensure proper handling and disposition.
