The Department of Agriculture welcomes today’s Senate hearing on smuggling.

As the Secretary of Agriculture, I condemn in the strongest terms the smuggling and illegal entry of all agricultural, fishery and meat products into the country — as these compete directly with our local farmers, fishers and food producers, depriving them of much-needed livelihood and incomes.

Secondly, they pose danger as smuggled products may carry transboundary pests and diseases that could harm our agriculture, fishery and animal industry, in general.

More importantly, they could pose danger to human health.

In today’s hearing, some Senators claimed that highly-placed personalities in government are said to be pushing or allowing the importation of vegetable products from China, in particular.

We condemn whoever these personalities are, and we at the Department of Agriculture will act swiftly and decisively to reprimand those involved among our ranks, officials and staff. If found guilty, we will file the appropriate administrative charges against these individuals.

Once again, I condemn this dastardly act of smuggling and smugglers in general.