Villar adds more teeth to law protecting agriculture sector

MANILA, Philippines — The hardships being suffered by Filipino farmers and consumers due to cartels, hoarding, profiteering and other corrupt practices will soon be stopped as the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act is closer to becoming a law.

Before the 2nd regular session of the 19th Congress adjourned last Wednesday, the Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act.

Sen. Cynthia Villar, principal author and sponsor of the measure, stressed that this is an act of self-preservation against the manipulative scheme of economic saboteurs and the protection of farmers’ livelihoods.

“The measure intends to repeal the seven-year-old Republic Act No. 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act and introduce several nefarious acts other than smuggling, such as hoarding, profiteering, cartel of agricultural and fisheries products,” Villar said.

“This is also a protection of the State from tax evaders and non-payers of duties. This will ensure the well-being of our agricultural producers, consumers and the whole economy,” she emphasized. The Senate passed Senate Bill 2432 or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Bill in December 2023 and it has been certified as urgent by President Marcos.