MANILA— Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has asked the Senate Committee on Agriculture to monitor cases involving two cargo vessels carrying 20,000 metric tons of Vietnamese rice valued at about ₱700 million that were apprehended by authorities over questionable documentation.

In a Senate manifestation on Thursday, Oct. 8, Pangilinan said the Bureau of Customs (BOC), in coordination with the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Philippine Navy, apprehended the vessels on Sept. 17 and Sept. 21.

One vessel, MV Tay Son 2, was intercepted in Davao City carrying approximately 12,500 metric tons of Vietnamese rice, while MV Lucky Star was carrying another 7,500 metric tons.

Pangilinan said the shipments were apprehended due to questionable documentation and the cancellation of sanitary and phytosanitary permits.

Based on prevailing world market prices of about $420 per metric ton, the combined shipments were worth approximately ₱700 million, he said.

Pangilinan, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, said he had spoken with Agriculture Secretary Francisco “Kiko” Laurel III and Customs Commissioner Ariel Nepomuceno, who confirmed the apprehensions.

He said the initial investigation indicated possible violations of Republic Act No. 12022, or the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act of 2024.

Pangilinan also raised concerns over the lack of convictions in major agricultural smuggling cases despite numerous seizures and confiscations.

“Sadly, however, the record of apprehension leading to imprisonment and conviction, thus far, is dismal. Kaya masasabi natin, wala pang big-time billionaire smugglers ang nakukulong sa ganitong gawain. Maraming seizure, maraming confiscation, pero pagdating sa conviction, mukhang may mga magic na nangyayari,” he said.

He noted that agricultural economic sabotage involving at least ₱10 million is a non-bailable offense under the law, citing the amount as a reason for authorities to pursue those responsible for the shipments.

Pangilinan requested that his manifestation be referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture to allow the panel to exercise its oversight functions and monitor the cases.

He said the committee should ensure that those behind the shipments face appropriate legal consequences, stressing that agricultural smuggling harms local farmers and takes advantage of their economic difficulties.

“Pinapatay nila ang ating mga local farmers. Sinasamantala nila ang kahirapan ng ating mga magsasaka, kaya napakahalagang matutukan nito,” Pangilinan said.