Amendments to anti-smuggling, coop laws among Congress priorities

FILE: The Bureau of Customs-Manila International Container Port (BOC-MICP) seized 76 containers of smuggled sugar with an estimated value of P228 million in a physical inspection conducted on Oct. 17. (Photo: Bureau of Customs PH/Facebook)

MANILA – The amended Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act is expected to pass within the year as a priority bill of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

In his speech during the Cooperative Development Authority’s (CDA) Gawad Parangal 2023 in Pasay City on Friday, Agap Party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones said House Bill No. 6975, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act that will amend Republic Act 10845 (Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act), aims to establish an Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council and Task Force as well as a special prosecutor.

“Urgent and priority bill ito [of President Marcos]. Naniniwala ako na ito ay magiging batas bago matapos ang taon na ito (I believe this will pass before end of the year),” Briones, chair of the House Committee on Cooperatives Development, said.

Under the bill, those found guilty of agricultural smuggling and economic sabotage face life imprisonment and a fine six times the fair market value of their goods.

Another priority bill of the Marcos administration, Briones said, will amend the Cooperative Code.

In his second State of the Nation Address in July, Marcos called for the amendment of laws governing fisheries and cooperatives to be “guided by science” towards better food security.

“To this end, we will seek the support of Congress to amend the Code to guarantee the sustainable development of our fisheries sector in harmony with environmental balance,” he said.

Meanwhile, the CDA Gawad Parangal 2023 recognized “exemplary cooperatives” that showcased best practices, programs, and good governance.

In addition, the award-giving body also recognized national government agencies, local government units, legislators, media, and other partners.

News and Information Bureau Director Luis Morente received a plaque of recognition for the Philippine News Agency for its role in the dissemination of information on cooperatives nationwide.