THE Department of Agriculture (DA) announced the temporary suspension of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSICs) for several mackerel and torpedo scad species.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. issued Memorandum Orders No. 37 and 38 to investigate allegations of import permit misuse, including misdeclaration and diversion of shipments.
The DA cited concerns that these practices could destabilize the local fish market and undermine efforts to maintain affordable fish prices for Filipino consumers. The suspension affects imports of horse mackerel (Atlantic and Japanese jack mackerel), Indian mackerel, wahoo, and both torpedo and hardtail scad.
These fish varieties, known locally as alumahan (mackerel) and galunggong (scad), are essential and affordable staples in Filipino cuisine.
Secretary Laurel emphasized the importance of transparent and fair import practices to ensure consumer access to these commodities while protecting the livelihoods of local fishers and traders from the negative impacts of illicit trade.
The investigation aims to identify those responsible for the alleged misdeclarations and to ensure that future imports comply with regulations. The DA will continue to monitor the situation and will resume SPSIC issuance once the investigation is complete and necessary measures are in place to prevent future abuses.
The DA’s actions underscore its commitment to protecting both consumers and local producers. The temporary suspension of imports is a proactive measure designed to address concerns about unfair competition and to ensure the stability of the local fishing industry.
The investigation will play a crucial role in determining the extent of the alleged misuse of import permits and in identifying any systemic weaknesses that need to be addressed. The outcome of this investigation will likely have significant implications for the future regulation of fish imports in the Philippines.
