MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos on Sunday criticized the continued influx of imported vegetables, saying local farmers are being forced to dispose of their produce due to falling farmgate prices.

“Wala ng bumibili ng repolyo, pamigay na lang ang ani. Sa farmgate, ₱2 hanggang ₱7 na lang binibili kada kilo—pero sa palengke, mahal pa rin. Ano ’to, lokohan?” Marcos said.

She pointed to Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) data showing local cabbage production reaching 135,000 metric tons (MT) annually, higher than domestic demand of 122,500 MT, yet said imports continue to enter the market.

According to Marcos, the oversupply has pushed prices down and worsened losses for farmers, with some even letting their harvest rot due to transportation and fuel costs.

Dagdag pa niya, “Sobra pa nga ang lokal na ani pero walang awa ang pagdagsa ng imported! Department of Angkat na dapat ang itawag sa DA!” referring to the Department of Agriculture.

She also urged the Bureau of Plant Industry to explain the continued issuance of import permits for fresh, retail, processing, and institutional use despite the situation faced by local producers.

Marcos said government intervention is needed to support farmers by purchasing local produce, improving market distribution, and monitoring prices to prevent manipulation.

“Maawa naman kayo, bilhin ninyo ang gulay ng magsasaka -kahit wala ng ayuda! Nagugutom na ang nagpapakain sa bayan! Unahin niyo naman sila!” she said.