By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) vowed Wednesday to fully support the implementation of Republic Act (RA) 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, in a statement, said this is part of efforts to curb smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering of agricultural products, particularly rice.
He said the recent signing of this landmark law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is a decisive move to safeguard food security and protect Filipino consumers from skyrocketing rice prices caused by illegal activities.
Marbil reiterated the PNP’s commitment to collaborating with implementing agencies to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for economic sabotage.
“The PNP is fully prepared to support the implementation of this law to protect our farmers and ensure that rice remains affordable for every Filipino household,” he added.
The PNP chief also said smugglers and hoarders must be held accountable for their role in undermining food security and jeopardizing the livelihoods of our farmers.
Through strong law enforcement and comprehensive government measures, Marbil said the new law aims to lower rice prices, protect Filipino farmers, and ensure consistent access to affordable food.
The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, a priority initiative of the Marcos administration, designates smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, cartels, and financing such activities as economic sabotage, with penalties of life imprisonment and fines three times the value of the confiscated agricultural products.
Those involved in the transportation or storage of illegal goods face imprisonment of 20 to 30 years and fines twice the product’s value.
The law also mandates the creation of a Daily Price Index to monitor market irregularities and detect economic sabotage.
It further establishes the Anti-Agricultural Economic Council and the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Enforcement Group to streamline enforcement efforts. (PNA)
