DA exec: There are issues in anti-smuggling measures that should be fixed

An official of the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Wednesday agreed that there are problems that need to be addressed in the country's anti-smuggling measures, amid reports of DA authorities allegedly overlooking the entry of smuggled goods.

“Kaya nga [Indeed]," Panganiban said on Dobol B TV, on the issue of authorities letting contraband enter the country during inspection.

"Meron, talagang merong dapat isaayos [Indeed…Some things need to be fixed],” he added.

“I think ang aming tinitignan ay yung prosesong ginagawa ng ating mga technicians versus the proseso na ginagawa ng mga buyer na nag-iimbak niyan. Tinitignan namin para malaman namin kung ano ang diperensya,” Panganiban also said.

(I think we are looking into the process of our technicians versus the process of buyers storing goods. We are looking into it so we can determine the problem.)

On Monday, Senator JV Ejercito said he wants oversight on the implementation of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA) and the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act revived as he aired his frustration over the country's overdependence on importation. — BM, GMA News