Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has questioned the continued entry of imported rice, onions and other agricultural products into the Philippines during local harvest season, warning that the practice could affect farmers’ livelihoods and food security.
Pangilinan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reforms, expressed concern over government agencies allegedly allowing agricultural imports to enter while local farmers are harvesting their crops.
The senator cited onion imports as an example, saying their entry during the local harvest season raises questions about compliance with existing policies.
He described the recurring timing of such imports as a possible “modus operandi” and said rice imports during harvest season also need scrutiny.
Pangilinan said lawmakers would examine the circumstances surrounding the importation of agricultural products to determine how these shipments were allowed into the country.
He also identified a reported ₱700-million shipment of smuggled rice as a possible starting point for an investigation. The shipment was reported in connection with the first week of December.
The senator said they would seek to establish the facts behind the importations and determine the circumstances surrounding the shipments.
Pangilinan emphasized that the timing of agricultural imports is a concern because local farmers depend on harvest sales for their income. He also highlighted the potential implications for the country’s food security.
