Politics · Philippines Bureau
Pangilinan urges DOJ, NBI to pursue wealthy agricultural smugglers
Senator Francis Pangilinan has challenged the Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation to prosecute wealthy agricultural smugglers, questioning why cases against them have been dismissed. The challenge came during Senate hearings on the DOJ's 2027 budget proposal.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Thursday pressed the Department of Justice and National Bureau of Investigation to demonstrate their commitment to pursuing high-profile agricultural smuggling cases, suggesting that wealthy perpetrators have so far escaped accountability.
During Senate budget hearings for the DOJ's 2027 fiscal allocation, Pangilinan raised concerns about the dismissal of smuggling cases, questioning whether influential figures in the agricultural sector were being treated differently than ordinary offenders.
The senator's remarks underscore ongoing scrutiny of the government's enforcement efforts against illegal agricultural trade, which costs the Philippine economy millions of pesos annually. Agricultural smuggling has been identified as a persistent problem affecting legitimate farmers and local producers.
Pangilinan's challenge to the two agencies reflects broader legislative concerns about the equitable application of laws and whether wealthy individuals can evade prosecution through their economic or political influence. The hearing highlighted the need for stronger action against smuggling networks operating at higher levels.