MANILA, Philippines - A group of farmers and hog and poultry raisers led by Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines (AGAP) party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones has challenged Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon to look into the smuggling of agricultural products into the country.
Briones said the government is losing at least P6 billion in taxes due to the smuggling of products like pork, chicken, rice and onions.
Briones said Biazon should also give attention to the smuggling of agricultural products, just like the attention he was giving to the imported vehicles at Port Irene in Cagayan.
Briones asked the Bureau of Customs to act immediately on the matter and not wait for an order from the Supreme Court.
AGAP is also pushing for the protection of the livelihood of the farmers, so that Filipinos will have enough food on their tables.