Marcos: At least 4 rice traders facing raps for alleged smuggling, hoarding

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said Wednesday that at least four rice traders are facing raps for alleged smuggling and hoarding of rice.

"Kaya po ay ngayon ay kinasuhan na natin ang San Pedro Warehouse and Blue Sakura Agri Grain Corporation, ang F.S. Ostia Rice Mill, [at] ang Gold Rush Rice Mill ay kasalukuyang haharap sa patong-patong na mga kaso dahil sa kanilang mga ginagawa," Marcos said in a speech at the distribution of rice in Taguig City.

(We have filed cases against the San Pedro Warehouse, the Blue Sakura Agri Grain Corporation, the F.S. Ostia Rice Mill, and the Gold Rush Rice Mill because of their activities.)

Marcos has since blamed the smugglers and hoarders for the surging of rice prices. In his second State of the Nation Address, Marcos warned that the days of smugglers and hoarders are numbered.

Marcos reiterated his warning to these unscrupulous individuals to stop their illicit activities.

"Hindi tayo papayag na patuloy na mamayagpag ang mga mapagsamantalang pumipinsala sa ating kabuhayan at sa buong sektor ng agrikultura," Marcos said.

(We will not tolerate these individuals who plague our agriculture sector.)

"Binabalaan ko ang mga sumasabotahe sa ating ekonomiya: Kayong mga smuggler, kayong mga hoarder, at sindikato, tigilan na ninyo ang mga masama ninyong gawain," he added.

(I am warning those sabotaging our economy. Those smugglers, hoarders, and syndicates, stop your illegal activities.) — RSJ, GMA Integrated News