The Marcos administration is intensifying its efforts to combat illegal trade activities in agriculture, with a particular focus on large-scale smugglers, hoarders, profiteers, and cartel operators who disrupt supply chains, jeopardize the livelihoods of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk, and undermine food security.
The crackdown aims to restore stability and fairness to the agricultural sector, which has long been plagued by these illegal practices.
On Wednesday, March 5, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage (AAES) Council held its inaugural meeting at Malacañang, marking a decisive step in the government’s commitment to enforcing the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which was enacted last October. The law, Republic Act 12022, imposes stiffer fines and longer prison sentences for those involved in agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, and cartel activities.
Chaired by Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs Frederick D. Go, the meeting formalized the creation of key teams tasked with executing the provisions of the new law. “With both the law and the implementation team now fully established, we are poised to aggressively target economic saboteurs, especially in the vital sectors of agriculture and fisheries. This will empower us to protect our local farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers, ensuring a better quality of life for our people,” said Secretary Go, emphasizing the government’s unwavering resolve.
The Council brought together high-ranking officials from several key agencies, including the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Finance (DOF), Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), among others. The session also led to the formation of specialized working groups, such as the Enforcement Group, which comprises officials from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), PNP, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and DOF. These groups are now entrusted with the critical task of enforcing the law’s provisions.
Additionally, the Council discussed the creation of a Daily Price Index (DPI) to monitor agricultural prices, with the DA’s Agribusiness and Marketing Assistance Service (AMAS) assigned to maintain it. The DOF and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will also oversee the full implementation of the National Single Window for cargo clearance, aimed at curbing the flow of illegal imports.
The Council also constituted an Executive Committee that could be convened anytime in order to, among others, issue Letters of Authority—if intelligence information or evidence warrant—to the Enforcement Group to ensure compliance with Republic Act 12022.
“Together, we are sending a strong message that those who undermine our agricultural sectors will face swift and decisive action,” Go added, reinforcing the government’s firm stance.
The Council is scheduled to meet quarterly, with special sessions convened as necessary to sustain momentum in addressing agricultural economic sabotage and ensure the protection of the country’s food supply chain. ### (OP/DA)
