Senator Kiko Pangilinan has raised concerns over what he described as a possible network of political and government protectors behind large-scale agricultural smuggling, warning that ordinary citizens are being used as fronts for illegal importation schemes.
Speaking on Thursday, Pangilinan questioned how massive import operations could be financed without powerful backers.
“Yun ang sinabi ko at katanungan ko, kasi sino ba naman ang makakapag import ng bilyon-bilyon, ‘di ba? Yung mga financier.”
He cited the case of jeepney driver Warren Lumbang, who was listed as corporate secretary of a company that imported ₱7 billion worth of rice. Lumbang’s wife, Raizza, a former factory worker, was also named in company records.
As chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Pangilinan likened the scheme to corruption in flood control projects, suggesting possible collusion among government insiders, financiers, contractors, and politicians.
“Mayroong kasabwat na sa gobyerno, mayroong financier na mga contractor, diba private sector, mayroong—posible—mga politiko o mga matataas na opisyal ng gobyerno.”
He also recalled prior Senate hearings that exposed how food delivery riders and other individuals were allegedly used as dummy incorporators to bypass import regulations and bring in substandard agricultural goods.
Pangilinan lamented that no arrests have been made under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, which treats illegal imports exceeding ₱10 million as a non-bailable offense.
“At under the Anti-Economic Sabotage Law, ang pagbubuo ng mga dummy corporation, para mag import at abusuhin, ang proseso ng pag-iimport ng agri products ay non-bailable offense of economic sabotage.”
He stressed the need for stronger enforcement to dismantle syndicates and hold both financiers and officials accountable.