Speaker Martin G. Romualdez commended the Bureau of Customs (BOC) for its intensified campaign against smuggling, citing the agency’s seizure of ₱85.1 billion worth of contraband and the successful conduct of over 2,100 anti-smuggling operations in 2024.
While Romualdez recognized these significant achievements, Romualdez reiterated the urgent need to step up enforcement efforts against agricultural smuggling, which remains a serious threat to local farmers and food security.
“Customs is doing well in the fight against smuggling, but we must not stop. The campaign needs to be intensified, especially against agricultural smuggling that destroys the livelihood of our farmers and makes the people poor,” he said.
The Speaker pointed to alarming reports of massive rice shipments left uncollected at ports and stockpiling of frozen chicken imports, fueling suspicions of deliberate supply manipulation.
He stressed that these immoral and illegal schemes hurt farmers and consumers, distorting prices and putting the nation’s food security at risk.
Romualdez called for stricter border controls, stronger inter-agency coordination, and faster prosecution of smugglers to dismantle these illegal operations. He noted that smuggling is not just an economic problem but a direct attack on farmers, consumers and the country’s stability.
While acknowledging the BOC’s gains in intercepting illegal shipments, Romualdez urged authorities to address systemic weaknesses that allow smuggled goods to enter the country.
Among others, he pushed for advanced monitoring technology, stricter tracking of agricultural imports, and swift action against enablers of smuggling, whether in the private or public sector.
Beyond enforcement, Romualdez stressed the need for government safeguards against price manipulation, ensuring fair market conditions for farmers and consumers alike. He reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ commitment to supporting legislative measures that would strengthen Customs’ enforcement capabilities and stabilize food prices.
“The fight against smuggling is not just about seizing smuggled goods. This is about protecting the livelihood of our farmers and the welfare of every Filipino. The government needs to show that we are serious about suppressing the exploiters.”
Romualdez expressed confidence that sustained vigilance and decisive action will help curb agricultural smuggling, ensure Filipino farmers thrive and protect consumers from unfair trade practices.
