P20 million reward up for info vs economic saboteurs

MANILA, Philippines — Up to P20 million reward will be offered by the government in exchange for information that will lead to the arrest of smugglers and hoarders of agricultural products under the newly enacted Republic Act 12022 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, the Department of Agriculture said yesterday.

Under RA 12022, smuggling or hoarding activities can be considered economic sabotage if the seized commodities reach more than P10 million, according to Agriculture Assistant Secretary and spokesman Arnel de Mesa.

“Those who will provide information can receive reward or incentive up to P20 million,” De Mesa said.

He added that the new law provides those who will be found guilty be meted a jail term of life imprisonment with no bail recommended, and a fine five times the value of confiscated farm products.

 “If the value of smuggled goods is P100 million, the fine will be P500 million plus of course the reclusion perpetua imprisonment,” he said.

According to De Mesa, the law is necessary as smuggled products compete with locally produced products.

“It will help our farmers and fisherfolk if these illegal activities will be stopped as smuggled agricultural commodities are often sold at lower price because traders do not pay taxes,” he said.

De Mesa added that RA 12022 will also boost the government revenue collection as it will go after those who do not pay tariff with the illegal entry of smuggled farm commodities.

Under the law, a daily price index will monitor and publish prevailing retail prices of agricultural and fishery products in all regions to ensure transparency and accountability.

The Court of Tax Appeals shall have exclusive jurisdiction for cases related to agricultural economic sabotage and shall have the authority to handle and decide on criminal proceedings under the law.

The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council and Enforcement Group will be formed to ensure the proper implementation of the law, coordinate investigations and conduct visits and inspections to enforce compliance with the measure.

The Council will consist of the President or his designated permanent representative as chair and the chiefs of the Agriculture, Justice, Finance, Interior and Local Government, Transportation and Trade and Industry departments, the Anti-Money Laundering Council and Philippine Competition Commission as members.

The enforcement group, meanwhile, will be composed of the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard and Department of Finance.

De Mesa added that Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. expressed confidence that the law will serve as a deterrent amid the continued illegal activities of traders and hoarders of agriculture and fishery products.

“We welcome the passage of a stronger law that will penalize violators with higher fines and longer jail terms,” he said.