Team DailyPedia
Senator Robin Padilla is calling for the death penalty against members of agricultural smuggling syndicates, arguing that imprisonment alone may not be enough to stop those responsible for undermining Filipino farmers’ livelihoods.
Padilla made the proposal during a Senate session on Thursday, October 8, following Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan’s call for an investigation into approximately 20,000 metric tons of rice imported from Vietnam and intercepted at Philippine ports.
The shipments, estimated to be worth ₱700 million, have raised concerns over possible violations of agricultural importation regulations.
During his manifestation, Padilla acknowledged that those found guilty of agricultural smuggling should face imprisonment but expressed concern that influential syndicate members could continue enjoying privileges behind bars.
“Okay naman po ’yung kulungan, dapat talagang may makulong. Pero kung ganito pong klaseng mga tao na nasa loob ng sindikato, magbubuhay hari lang po ito sa loob,” Padilla said.
“Kaya kung ako po ay inyong pagbibigyan, death penalty na po,” he added.
The senator, who cited his personal ties to Mindoro and Marinduque, also emphasized the devastating impact that agricultural smuggling can have on local farmers.
“Kitang-kita ko po sa aming probinsya kung paano nito unti-unting pinapatay ang mga magsasaka,” he said.
Padilla’s proposal would require legislative action, as the Philippines currently does not impose the death penalty. Republic Act No. 9346 abolished its imposition in 2006.
Meanwhile, Pangilinan disclosed that authorities intercepted two cargo vessels carrying rice from Vietnam on September 17 and 21.
The shipments involved:
- MV Tay Son 2: Approximately 12,500 metric tons of rice intercepted at the Port of Davao.
- MV Lucky Star: Approximately 7,500 metric tons of rice intercepted at the Port of Limay.
According to Pangilinan, the combined cargo was valued at around ₱700 million based on an international market price of $420 per metric ton.
The operations involved the Bureau of Customs, Department of Agriculture, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine Navy.
Authorities reportedly flagged issues involving shipping documentation and sanitary and phytosanitary permits.
The incidents are being examined for possible violations of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024.
However, the investigation has yet to establish criminal liability, and the interception of the shipments does not automatically mean that the parties involved are guilty of smuggling.
Beyond the seized shipments, Pangilinan questioned why agricultural smuggling cases rarely result in convictions despite repeated confiscations of imported goods.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that enforcement operations lead to accountability rather than ending with the seizure of shipments.
Senators Pia Cayetano and Joel Villanueva also supported the call for an investigation.
Cayetano highlighted the impact of agricultural smuggling on farming families, while Villanueva raised concerns about farmers in Isabela who could also suffer from unfair competition involving illegally imported products.
