House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez warned agricultural cartels on Friday, on the major consequences they will have to face when caught manipulating and smuggling essential goods.
The House speaker vowed to imprison and charge massive fines to those involved in the act, as it is considered an economic sabotage.
The warning came after the PCC Enforcement Office sued the individuals involved in an onion cartel in the Philippines. Penalties worth P2.4 billion were recommended against the 12 onion traders and importers for the alleged cartel operation from 2019 to 2023.
"Economic sabotage is a crime of the highest order. The law demands life imprisonment for large-scale agricultural smuggling, and we will make sure those responsible face the full force of justice. These cartels are not just committing fraud; they are endangering our food security and destroying the livelihoods of our farmers," Romualdez emphasized.
Romualdez said that the imposition of the P2.4 billion fine is just the start, as the traders are also subject to face long-term imprisonment. He cited the Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016, which considers large-scale smuggling as economic sabotage. The offense is non-bailable, with life imprisonment, asset forfeitures, and hefty fines.
“The P2.4 billion in fines is just the start. The law is clear—those who manipulate agricultural prices will face long prison terms. Smuggling, hoarding, and price manipulation will receive the toughest penalties,” the Speaker declared.
Consequently, the Speaker vowed to strengthen the laws on agricultural smuggling and manipulation, imposing harsher penalties.
“We are fully committed to wiping out these cartels. This is not just about onions—this is about safeguarding our food supply and ensuring that every Filipino has access to affordable agricultural products. Today, we struck a blow against one cartel, but this is only the beginning,” Romualdez stated.
