MANILA—Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan on Monday formally opened a Senate investigation into rampant agricultural smuggling, warning that failure to enforce anti-smuggling laws undermines food security and allows criminal networks to profit at the expense of the nation.

Pangilinan led the Second Public Hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food, and Agrarian Reform, joined by the Committees on Ways and Means and Finance.

“Maraming pagka-halintulad ang paulit-ulit na pagbaha dito sa Metro Manila at ang krisis sa pagkain,” Pangilinan said. “Bukod sa nakaugat sa pangungurakot at kawalang-hustisya, ang pagbaha at ang krisis sa pagkain ang sobrang nagpapahirap sa karaniwang Pilipino.”

He lamented that ordinary Filipinos are left struggling for safe streets, fair prices, and affordable food, while unscrupulous rice traders and smugglers manipulate prices, hoard goods, and engage in profiteering.

“Kapag binaha ng mga smuggler ang ating mga pamilihan ng mga mura at hindi nabubuwisan at hindi fit for consumption na mga kalakal, hindi lang nila sinisira ang kabuhayan ng mga magsasaka,” he said. “Sinasabotahe rin nila ang pambansang seguridad, inuubos ang kaban ng gobyerno, at lalong nawawalan ng tiwala ang mamamayan sa estado.”

Citing government records, Pangilinan noted attempts to bring in P143 million worth of agricultural products through the Port of Subic this year. In July, 10 containers declared as processed foods were found to contain carrots, white onions, and frozen mackerel worth around P100 million—well above the P10-million threshold under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which makes the offense non-bailable.

Those found guilty may face life imprisonment and penalties up to five times the value of the smuggled goods.

“Malupit ang batas sa mga agricultural smuggler dahil may pagkilala ang batas na ang pananabotahe sa ating suplay ng pagkain ay hindi simpleng pagbaluktot ng batas,” Pangilinan said. “May pagkilala yayo na ang pananabotahe sa ating food supply ay krimen na sapok sa sikmura.”

The senator expressed concern that reported smuggling figures may be underrepresented to protect syndicates.

“Ang tanong, meron na bang nasampahan na ng kaso na non-bailable? Wala pa. In the end, this hearing will move or will push for the full implementation of the laws of the anti-agriculture economic sabotage law with your cooperation,” he added.