ISA umanong malaking hakbang ang pagsasabatas ng Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act (R.A. 12002) sa pagbibigay ng proteksyon sa lokal na magsasaka at mga konsumer.

Ito ang sinabi ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez kasabay ng pagpuri nito kay Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. sa paglagda sa R.A. 12002 para labanan ang agricultural smuggler, hoarder, profiteer, at kartel.

“This law marks a critical turning point in our fight to defend the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk and secure affordable food for all,” ani Speaker Romualdez.

“With the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act in place, we are sending a clear message: there will be no tolerance for those who manipulate the market and jeopardize our food supply.”

Ang bagong batas ay magpapalakas sa Republic Act No. 10845, o ang Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016 at ikokonsidera ng economic sabotage ang hoarding, profiteering, at cartelizing.

Ayon kay Speaker Romualdez ang bagong batas ay tutugon sa matagal ng mga isyu na pumipesta sa lokal na sektor ng agrikultura.

“For far too long, the greed of a few has resulted in the suffering of many, driving up food prices and hurting the very people who work tirelessly to provide for our nation,” sabi pa ng lider ng Kamara.

“This law ensures that those who engage in these exploitative practices will face the full weight of the law,” wika pa nito.

Sa ilalim ng bagong batas ay itatayo ang Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Council, na binubuo ng Department of Agriculture, the Department of Justice, Department of Finance, Anti-Money Laundering Council, at iba pa para lumikha ng isang komprehensibong pamamaraan upang labanan ang mga pang-aabuso sa sektor ng agrikultura.

“This council will be the backbone of our efforts to protect the integrity of our food supply chain by coordinating various agencies and leveraging their expertise, ensuring we can respond swiftly and decisively to any attempts to manipulate the market,” paliwanag ni Speaker Romualdez.

Itatayo rin ang Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Enforcement Group na bubuohin ng National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine National Police, at Philippine Coast Guard na maging responsable sa pagsasagawa ng inspection at pagpapatupad ng parusa.

Ang Department of Justice ay inatasan naman na lumikha ng isang grupo ng mga specialized prosecutors na hahawak sa mga kaso ng agricultural economic sabotage.

Kasama sa parusa na ipapataw sa mga sangkot sa agricultural economic sabotage ang habambuhay na pagkakakulong at multa na limang beses ang halaga sa halaga ng produktong sangkot.

Kung opisyal ng gobyerno ang sangkot, ang parusa ay habambuhay na pagkakakulong at perpetual disqualification sa paghawak ng posisyon sa gobyerno.

“As we move forward, we must remain vigilant and steadfast in protecting our agricultural sector. This law is a crucial step in ensuring that our farmers and fisherfolk can thrive, and that Filipino families can access affordable food,” ani Speaker Romualdez.

Muling iginiit ng lider ng Kamara ang pangako nito na palakasin ang mga polisiya at tiyakin na naipatutupad ng maayos ang mga batas.

“This law is a major victory for our farmers, fisherfolk, and consumers, and it underscores our unwavering commitment to safeguarding our nation’s food security,” deklara nito.

“The signing of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act is a strong signal that we will no longer allow a few to profit at the expense of many. The protection of our agriculture and the welfare of the Filipino people are our top priorities,” dagdag pa ni Speaker Romualdez.