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Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling

Lee Awaits Signing Of Economic Sabotage Law Amid Surge In Agricultural Smuggling “Hindi pwedeng hanggang kaso lang. Dapat ipakulong yang mga salot na agri-smugglers!” This is what Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee said as he raised the alarm over the surge of smuggled agricultural goods intercepted by Philippine authorities this year. As the principal author of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Lee expressed optimism that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will soon sign it into law which will impose stricter penalties and hefty fines against large-scale smuggling, hoarding, profiteering, cartelizing, and other market abuses involving agricultural and fishery commodities considered as economic sabotage. “We are hopeful that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will sign this measure into law soon. Dapat seryosong puksain na ang mga krimeng ito na patuloy na kumikitil sa kabuhayan ng mga local food producers at nagmamanipula ng presyo sa merkado na pabigat lalo sa mga consumer,” the solon from Bicol said. “Wakasan na ang kademonyohang ito na walang ibang dulot kundi pasakit sa mga Pilipino. Sampolan na ang mga agri-smugglers, hoarders, price manipulators, at mga kasabwat sa gobyerno!” he added. The Bicolano lawmaker was referring to a series of smuggling cases which have been plaguing the country this year, with authorities from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and Bureau of Customs (BOC) confiscating millions of pesos worth of smuggled agricultural products in multiple operations. These include smuggled agricultural products from China and Taiwan in Subic Port in Zambales amounting to P21.08 million seized by BOC and DA last September 11 and the 3,200 cartons of smuggled oranges from Thailand worth P8.422 million confiscated last week. Apart from the recent cases, Lee pointed out the P5 million worth of suspected smuggled agricultural products in three warehouses in Manila seized in January; at least P100 million worth of smuggled frozen meat and agricultural products seized in Kawit, Cavite in June; and P50 million worth of onions and other goods from China discovered in Navotas in August. The smuggled vegetables found in Navotas later tested positive for pesticide residues, heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants. “Napakahalaga ng batas na ito para protektahan ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, magkaroon ng seguridad sa pagkain, mapangalagaan ang kabuhayan ng libo-libong mga Pilipino, at mailayo sa peligro ang kalusugan ng mga consumer na pwedeng makabili ng mga di nasusuring produkto,” he said. A staunch agricultural advocate, Lee has been reiterating that the best defense against inflation is to support the agriculture sector, saying: “Kapag may sapat na kita ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda, dadami ang supply sa merkado, bababa ang presyo ng pagkain, na magpapagaan sa pasanin ng ating mga kababayan,” he added. Notwithstanding the slowdown of the country’s overall inflation in August 2024 at 3.3% from 4.4% the previous month, Lee underscored that efforts must be tripled to address the constant challenge of high food prices being the main driver of inflation. “It is time we put an end to the suffering of our farmers and fisherfolk. Their hard work feeds the nation, and we owe them the protection of their livelihood which will significantly propel our economy. Sa suporta sa agrikultura, panalo ang masa!” Lee remarked. “Pagpapanagot sa agri-smugglers, hoarders, price manipulators, kartel at mga kasabwat sa gobyerno, gawin na natin! Murang pagkain, gawin na natin! Laban nating lahat ito,” he added. Advocacy Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief

Oil Spill Accountability And Relief Lee Visits Bataan Oil Spill Ground Zero; Urges Govt To Fast-Track Assistance, Go After Those Accountable Oil Spill Accountability And Relief In light of the 38th Philippine Coconut Week, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee stressed that to achieve the country’s goal of becoming the world’s top coconut exporter, the government must prioritize protecting coconut farmers by fast-tracking the release of the coco levy funds, health and medical benefits rightful to them. Lee, who is now in Pangasinan to lead the distribution of financial assistance under the Ayuda para sa Kapos ang Kita Program (AKAP), renewed his call as President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recently approved the increase by P1 billion the budget for mass coconut planting and replanting program and P2.5 billion for the fertilization program. Earlier, Marcos also expressed his vision of making the Philippines world’s number 1 coconut exporter, upgrading from the current second rank next to Indonesia. “Kung gusto natin na maging top exporter ng niyog, bukod sa suporta sa pagtatanim, ay dapat ding tutukan ng gobyerno ang kapakanan at kalusugan ng ating mga magniniyog,” Lee said. “Matagal na po nating itinutulak na ang pondo para sa mga magniniyog, dapat ibigay agad sa mga magniniyog. Sa laki ng ambag ng industriyang ito sa ating ekonomiya, hindi dapat napupurnada ang pamamahagi ng ayuda para sa kanilang kabuhayan at serbisyong pangkalusugan,” he added. In May 2023, the Bicolano lawmaker filed House Resolution (HR) No. 954 upon discovering that only 34% of the total Coco Levy Fund was disbursed for fiscal year 2022 to provide grants and subsidies for the livelihood and welfare of coconut farmers. Last April, he also filed HR No. 1673 urging Congress to thoroughly investigate the delayed implementation of the health and medical services for the coconut farmers and their families prescribed by Republic Act (RA) No. 11524 or the “Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund (CFITF) Act” and reinforced by Executive Order (EO) No. 172. “It is a clear violation of law that more than three years since the CFITF Law was enacted, health and medical benefits of coconut farmers remain undelivered to the beneficiaries. Our coconut farmers deserve better so we must demand better implementation of the laws to protect them,” Lee stressed.  “Huwag natin paasahin sa wala ang mga nagtataguyod sa industriya ng niyog. Dumadaing na ang ating mga coconut farmers sa mababang presyo ng kopra at sa dagdag pasaning dulot ng El Niño, bukod pa sa banta ng paparating na La Niña. Kaya ibigay na ang dapat ibigay na serbisyo para sa kanila!” he added. Meanwhile, under the Philippine Coconut Industry Development Plan 2024-2034 (PCIDP 2024-2034), the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) aims to plant 100 million coconut trees by 2028 which will be valued at P33.1 billion by 2034. “Sa pagpapalakas sa ating mga magniniyog, mapapaunlad ang indusriya, magiging abot-kamay ang layunin nating maging top exporter sa mundo, makalilikha ng mga bagong oportunidad na dala ng iba’t ibang produkto mula sa niyog, lalago ang ekonomiya na magbibigay naman ng kakayahan sa gobyerno na palawakin ang serbisyo para sa taumbayan. Panalo ang sambayanang Pilipino,” Lee said. “Dagdag na suporta sa industriya ng niyog at proteksyon para sa mga magniniyog, gawin na natin!” he added. Advocacy Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices

Murang Pagkain, gawin Natin Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Murang Pagkain, Gawin na Natin! Lawmakers on Monday united behind AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee’s call to give the needed budget of the Department of Agriculture (DA) which only got P200.2 billion from its requested P513.8 billion for 2025. During the House briefing on DA’s 2025 budget, Lee said: “Priority ba natin talaga ang agrikultura? Seryoso ba tayo dito? Dahil ang nabasa ko, sinabi ni Secretary [Francisco Tiu-Laurel Jr.], P513 billion ang request niya. Ngayon, nakita ko P200 billion lang ang binigay. Ang laki ng difference. Paano natin pabababain ang presyo ng pagkain kung kulang ang inilaan na pondo para sa agrikultura?” “Gusto nating pataasin ang produksyon, pababain ang presyo ng bilihin pero binawasan ang budget. Para tayong naglolokohan lang. Dapat ibigay yung ni-request ng ahensya, at gastusin nang tama para maramdaman agad ng mamamayan, hindi yung nakatengga lang.” This was echoed by his fellow lawmakers such as Rep. Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, Rep. Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte and Rep. Jose “Bong” Teves Jr., among others. “As I said, from our colleague, AGRI Party-list [Rep. Wilbert Lee], tama, kulang po ang budget ng Department of Agriculture. Ngayon ang tanong, bakit tayo nandito? Kailangan nating suportahan ang budget ng Department of Agriculture,” Teves said, which was seconded by other Congressmen. DA Secretary Tiu-Laurel agreed with Lee’s sentiment saying that he is not yet satisfied with the budget given to the agency. “It is unfortunate na yung request natin na P500 billion ay naging P200 billion. I guess, it all boils down sa kung ano ang kaya ng ating gobyerno na i-provide. But of course, manghihingi pa kami ng kaunting dagdag sa bicam [bicameral conference committee], before the end of the year,” the DA chief said. Lee, a food security champion, also pointed out the huge difference between the pre-harvest services and post-harvest facilities which have an allocation of P58.45 billion and P13.51 billion, respectively. “Alam naman po natin na ang post-harvest ang isa sa malaking problema ng ating mga magsasaka. Bakit ba ayaw nating dagdagan ang budget dito, kung hindi man agad na maipantay, eh mailapit man lang sa pre-harvest budget? Napakalayo ng agwat?” Lee said. The solon from Bicol also underscored the need to boost market linkages citing the recent incident of excess tomatoes which Nueva Ecija farmers had to forego or sell for lower prices. “Matagal na po itong ganitong problema. Madalas sobra sa isang lugar, kulang sa ibang lugar ang supply. Pinapalala yan ng problema ng kawalan ng dryers, cold storage facilities, mga machineries, kakulangan ng food terminals o Kadiwa centers,” the solon remarked. Lee then vowed to work closely with the DA family and to submit his proposed amendments to increase the budget of the DA that can help lower the prices of rice and other agricultural commodities. “Paulit-ulit na natin itong panawagan. Pero walang nangyayari. Hindi tayo naglolokohan dito. Seryosong usapin ito para maabot ang murang pagkain. Kawawa ang ating local food producers, kawawa din tayong lahat. Gusto natin mapamura ang pagkain, hindi yung napapamura ang Pilipino sa mahal na bilihin.” “Once and for all, Mr. Chair, Mr. Secretary, gawin na natin ito. May pondo ang gobyerno, nakakapaglaan nga tayo sa mga proyekto na hindi nga ganoon kahalaga o kailangan. Ano pa ang hinihintay natin? Murang pagkain, mataas na produksyon, gawin na natin!” Lee said.  Advocacy Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Sapat Dapat! Amid The Looming La Niña, Gov’t Must Boost Rice Buffer Stock, Pass ‘Cheaper Rice Act’ – Lee

Sapat Dapat! Amid The Looming La Niña, Gov’t Must Boost Rice Buffer Stock, Pass ‘Cheaper Rice Act’ – Lee With La Niña expected to arrive in the country in the third quarter of the year, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee said the government must shore up its rice buffer stock to last for 15 to 30 days during disasters and emergency situations.  According to Lee, “our inventory must be sufficient to cover 15 to 30 days of national consumption or equivalent to at least 350,000 metric tons (MT) in case of emergencies or disasters. This is the optimal level of rice buffer stock stated in the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Rice Tariffication Law (RTL).”  “Pero ayon sa National Food Authority (NFA) kamakailan, may rice inventory ang bansa na aabot lang sa loob ng apat na araw kung magkaroon ng sakuna o emergency. Nakakabahala ito dahil kulang ang reserbang ito,” he said.  According to the NFA, its palay procurement reached nearly 3.37 million 50-kilo bags as of June 13, equivalent to 168,262 metric tons (MT). While the solon recognized the efforts of NFA to boost the rice inventory by buying local palay for higher price, he maintained that this mechanism should be institutionalized.  Lee then called for the urgent passage of his proposed House Bill No. 9020 or the “Cheaper Rice Act” which will mandate the government to implement a “price subsidy” program to buy palay from local farmers at a higher farmgate price to ensure their profit and entice them to boost their production.  “Sa panukalang ito, isasabatas ang dagdag o patong na P5 to P10 sa prevailing farmgate price per kilo ng palay na bibilhin ng gobyerno sa mga lokal na magsasaka. Sa mas mataas na kita, magpupursige silang taasan ang produksyon, na magpapababa naman sa presyo ng bigas at iba pang bilihin,” explained Lee.  “Our farmers deserve better prices for their products, so it is only fair that we demand better for them,” he added.  The solon from Bicol further stressed that the best defense against inflation is supporting farmers whom he considers as “food security soldiers.”  “Kapag nag-invest tayo sa agrikultura, sa pagprotekta sa kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka, tataas ang kanilang ani at kita, hindi na tayo aasa sa imported, magiging sapat at abot-kaya ang pagkain sa bansa,” Lee stated.  “Ang matitipid ng ating mga kababayan sa bagsak-presyong bilihin ay dagdag pantustos naman sa iba pang pangangailangan tulad na lang kapag may nagkasakit sa pamilya.”  “Wala dapat namamatay sa gutom o kawalan ng sapat na pagkain. Winner Tayo Lahat sa pangmatagalang pakinabang at ginhawang hatid ng pagsuporta sa ating mga magsasaka,” he added Advocacy Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Supporting Farmers Is Best Defense Against Inflation – Lee

Supporting Farmers Is Best Defense Against Inflation – Lee Amid the approved rice tariff cut and high inflation, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee said that supporting local farmers will effectively address inflation. Speaking at the Kapihan sa QC forum on Sunday, Lee said that while the tariff cut is a way to lower the price of rice to curb inflation and ease the burden of consumers, it must be complemented with stronger support to local farmers which he consider the long term solution to the perennial problem of high food prices. “Sa bawat polisiya ng gobyerno, dapat laging ikonsidera yung ating local food producers, ang ating mga magsasaka. Sila ang aaray dito dahil isang epekto ng pagbaba ng taripa ay pagdagsa ng imported products,” the Bicolano lawmaker said. “Hindi makakasabay o makaka-compete sa pagbaha ng imported products ang ating mga lokal na magsasaka; lalo silang malulugi o di kaya’y malulubog sa utang. Papatayin nito ang kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka,” he added. The solon underscored that importation is only a short-term solution, saying, “hindi tayo pwedeng nakaasa lang sa importation. Sa dami ng nangyayari sa ibang mga bansa, tulad ng gyera, sakuna, El Niño, climate change, posibleng tumigil ang ibang bansa sa pag-export. Hindi natin kontrolado ang export policy nila.” The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) board approved on June 3 the new Comprehensive Tariff Program for 2024-2028, which includes reduction of rice tariff for in- and out-quota rates from 35% to 15%. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), meanwhile, released the May 2024 inflation rate which is at 3.9% from 3.8% the previous month, where food inflation remains as the largest contributor. “Pumalo sa 3.9% ang inflation rate noong Mayo at presyo pa rin ng pagkain ang numero unong humahatak dito pataas. Naniniwala tayo na mas epektibo nating mapapababa ito, hindi sa importasyon, kundi sa dagdag na suporta sa ating mga magsasaka!” Lee said. The lawmaker from Bicol has been pushing for the Cheaper Rice Act, which mandates the Department of Agriculture (DA) and other concerned government agencies to buy local palay with additional P5-P10 than the prevailing farmgate prices. This will ensure increase in income of local farmers while consumers will eventually enjoy lower rice prices in the market. The solon likewise advocates for additional post-harvest facilities and market linkages for farmers through his House Bill (HB) No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act” and HB 3957 or the “Kadiwa Agri-Food Terminal Act.” Lee, who just came recently from a 2-day visit in multiple towns and cities in Bulacan including San Jose del Monte, Sta. Maria, Bocaue, Pandi, Meycauayan, Guiguinto, Malolos, Plaridel and Calumpit, shared that one of the main concerns of farmers are the lack of post-harvest facilities. “Para madagdagan ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka at masiguro ang mas mataas na produksyon, dapat sapat at tuloy-tuloy ang suporta ng gobyerno mula sa pagtatanim, anihan, hanggang sa paghahatid at pagbebenta ng produkto sa merkado,” the solon from Bicol said. “Kawalan ng hustisya kung ang mga magsasakang nagbibigay sa atin ng makakain ay sila pang walang maihain na pagkain sa kanilang pamilya. Our local farmers deserve better so we should demand better for them!” “Kapag may sapat na kita ang mga magsasaka, mas ma-e-engganyo silang palaguin ang kanilang kabuhayan. Sa pagtaas ng kanilang produksyon, dadami ang supply, at bababa ang presyo sa merkado. Makakatipid dito ang bawat pamilya kung saan mas may magagamit na sila sa iba pang pangangailangan, tulad sa pagpapagamot kapag nagkasakit. Sa dagdag na suporta sa mga magsasaka, mangingisda at agricultural workers, Winner Tayo Lahat!” Advocacy Support Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Lee To DA: Help Farmers, Fisherfolk Register To RSBSA To Avail Fuel Subsidy

Lee To DA: Help Farmers, Fisherfolk Register To RSBSA To Avail Fuel Subsidy Amid the continuing increase in the prices of petroleum products, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert T. Lee has urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to assist farmers and fisherfolk in registering in the Registry System for the Basic Sectors in Agriculture (RSBSA) in order to avail of the agency’s fuel subsidy. “Matagal na po nating panawagan na ma-update at ma-modernize na ang RSBSA registration dahil marami tayong mga magsasaka at mangingisda na di nakakatanggap ng ayuda dahil wala sila sa listahan o di kaya ay may mali sa detalye. Sa bigat ng mga pasanin nila, sobrang nakapanghihinayang na hindi sila nakakatanggap ng tulong,” Lee said. “Bukod sa paghikayat at pag-assist ng DA sa pagpaparehistro sa RSBSA, dapat pabilisin at simplehan din ang mga requirements sa pagpaparehistro ng mga makinarya at bangka para maging kwalipikado sa fuel subsidy,” he added. The DA recently announced it has allocated P500 million to provide a one-time P3,000 fuel subsidy for farmers and fishers who have their machinery and boats registered. The latter should have boats not exceeding three metric tons in order to qualify. Diesel prices increased by P0.95 per liter this week while gasoline rose by P0.40 per liter. Oil firms raised pump prices last week by P1.10 per liter for gasoline, P1.55 for diesel, and P1.40 for kerosene. The Bicolano lawmaker appealed to the DA to give time for farmers and fishers to register their equipment as the department finalizes its guidelines for the subsidy. “Bigyan po sana ng DA ng pagkakataon na makapagrehistro ang ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda sa RSBSA habang wala pang pinal na alituntunin sa fuel subsidy,” he said. “At kapag nagsimula na ang pamimigay ng subsidy, gamitin po sana ng DA ang latest na listahan ng rehistro para walang mapagkaitan at mapag-iwanan,” he added.  Lee also urged the DA to consider giving another round of fuel subsidy in the second half of the year if fuel prices continue to soar. “Sa dalas at laki ng pagtaas ng presyo ng mga produktong petrolyo, hindi sapat ang one-time P3,000 na fuel subsidy,” he stressed.  “Habang hindi pa humuhupa ang oil price hike ay pag-aralan sana ng DA ang posibilidad na makapagbigay ng isa pang round ng fuel subsidy bago matapos ang taon para maibsan ang pasanin ng ating mga magsasaka at mangingisda, at mabawasan kahit paano ang kanilang pangamba na wala silang panggastos lalo na kung may magkasakit sa pamilya.” “Kapag nasuportahan natin ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga nasa vulnerable sectors, kapag natulungan natin ang mga magsasaka at mangingisda na mapaunlad ang kanilang kabuhayan at ang agrikultura, siguradong magiging Winner Tayo Lahat,” he added. During the past budget deliberations in Congress, Lee persistently called on the House leadership to provide additional budget to update and streamline the effectivity of RSBSA and for the swift delivery of fuel subsidies to farmers and fishermen. Advocacy Support Share the News! Previous PostNext Post Latest Posts​ 09 Oct 2024 Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​ 09 Oct 2024 Agri Party-List Seeks Reelection, Commits Continued Support for Agri, Vulnerable Sectors 08 Oct 2024 Round-the-Clock Port Operations: Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Pushes for 24/7 Government Services to Lower Rice Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities