Senator Kiko Pangilinan has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to disclose the identities of traders and middlemen accused of taking advantage of onion farmers and fisherfolk.
During a Senate public hearing in Nueva Ecija on Thursday, farmers from several provinces complained of unfair trading practices and extremely low farm gate prices.
Pangilinan, chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform, said authorities must identify those responsible for exploiting small producers.
“Ang panawagan din natin, kung may impormasyon sila tungkol nga dito sa pang-aabuso at pagsasamantala, ibigay sa atin. Nabanggit nga kanina, kilala raw ng mga municipal agriculture officers kung sino ang mga trader nito,” he said.
“Ibigay sa atin ang pangalan. Ipapatawag natin para magpaliwanag,” Pangilinan added, stressing that the Senate panel has the authority to summon individuals implicated in alleged abuses.
“Ang maliwanag dito, hindi natin pababayaan itong isyu na ito. Babantayin natin ang industriya ng sibuyas para matiyak na mabilis ang aksyon at hindi natutulog sa pansitan ng gobyerno sa usapin natin,” he said.
The senator also ordered a review of cold storage operations after reports surfaced that some operators were colluding with traders, limiting farmers’ access to facilities.
“Ipapatawag din natin sila, papaliwanagin natin sila doon sa mga paratang na may mga kasabwat para hindi mabigyan ng espasyo ang mga magsasaka dahil inuuna nila ang mga trader,” he said.
Under the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, individuals found guilty of illegal practices such as smuggling and profiteering may face life imprisonment and fines equivalent to five times the value of the products involved.