SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Wednesday urged the Bureau of Customs (BoC) to file charges against rice smugglers, including those behind the illegal entry of the staple through ports in Mindanao.
The leader of the 311-strong House of Representatives made the appeal as he supported the decision of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Romualdez Marcos Jr. to distribute confiscated smuggled rice to
thousands of residents of the Zamboanga peninsula.
The President, accompanied by officials, made the distribution on Tuesday.
“We, in the House of Representatives, firmly stand with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his initiative to distribute premium quality rice to the 4Ps beneficiaries in Zamboanga City with his
instruction to the National Food Authority to increase its buying price for palay,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“This significant gesture demonstrates more than just an act of generosity; it underscores the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs of our people, especially during challenging
times,” Speaker Romualdez said.
“I congratulate the Bureau of Customs and other concerned agencies for a job well done. But they should not stop at confiscating rice and other products smuggled into the country. These offices should file charges against the smugglers immediately,” he said.
He said unless the culprits are jailed or otherwise punished, they would continue doing their illegal activities, even if some of their smuggled products end up being seized.
“Furthermore, this initiative solidifies our collective stance against the activities of hoarders, smugglers, and those who unscrupulously manipulate the prices of rice and other essential commodities,” he
said.
