Life jail term, heavy fines on rice smugglers sought

MANILA, Philippines - In a bid to address the unchecked rice smuggling in the country, a legislator has proposed to impose a life term imprisonment and heavy fines on rice smugglers.

Northern Samar Rep. Emil Ong said imposing heavy penalties and sanction on unscrupulous rice traders who will be caught smuggling in the staple food will help curb the problem.

He noted that the National Food Authority should have the sole and exclusive power to import rice.

"I firmly believe that rice smuggling can be eradicated only if the private sector is prohibited from engaging in rice importation and providing stiffer penalties for violations," Ong said.

Under House Bill 3897, the sole and exclusive power of the NFA to import rice should also be free from any import duties or any other taxes including value added tax.

"It shall be unlawful for any person, association, corporation or entity to import rice into any point in the Philippines," the bill states.

The bill also provides that any person who violates any provision of the proposed statute shall be punished by a fine of double the amount of the rice being smuggled and shall suffer the penalty of life imprisonment.

If the offender is a government official or employee, he /she shall, in addition, suffer the penalty of perpetual disqualification to hold public office, the bill adds.

It also provides that In the event that the violator is a corporation, association or entity, the penalty shall be imposed on the official/s responsible for the violation, in addition, revocation of the juridical existence of the corporation, association or entity shall form part of the penalty to be imposed.

The bill was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and Food.