AGRI PARTY-LIST

Sustainable Agriculture

Manoy Wilbert Lee emphasizes food security as a national security priority.

AGRI TO DA: FAST-TRACK BUILDING P3-B WORTH OF COLD STORAGES, IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLY MONITORING TO AVOID PRICE SURGE

Advocacy, Uncategorized / By

AGRI TO DA: FAST-TRACK BUILDING P3-B WORTH OF COLD STORAGES, IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLY MONITORING TO AVOID PRICE SURGE AGRI Party-list and Senatorial aspirant Manoy Wilbert Lee welcomed the initiative of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to construct around 99 cold storage facilities for fruits and vegetables nationwide with a total budget of P3 billion, as he renewed his call to implement a more comprehensive supply monitoring of agricultural products to avoid price surge. “Maganda ang inisyatibang ito ng DA, lalo pa’t matagal na natin itong panawagan. Bukod sa pangangalampag natin sa mga nakaraang budget deliberations na taasan o ipantay ang pondong inilalaan sa post-harvest facilities kabilang ang cold storages sa pre-harvest services, naghain din tayo ng panukalang batas para dagdagan ang suporta sa mga pasilidad na siguradong magpapataas sa kita ng mga magsasaka at local food producers,” AGRI Party-list said. “Malinaw din na mababalewala lang ang mga itatayong cold storages kung walang mahigpit at epektibong monitoring sa supply, at kung hindi pa rin masasampolan ang mga hoarders na walang konsensyang nagpapataas sa presyo ng bilihin, habang nagpapakasasa sa sobrang kita,” it added.  AGRI Party-list, principal author of Republic Act No. 12022 or the “Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law”, has been consistently pushing for legislative measures that will reduce the prices of food by providing additional support for the agricultural sector and protecting the livelihood of local food producers. Under its House Bill No. 3958 or the “Post-Harvest Facilities Support Act”, the DA, in cooperation with various government agencies including the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), shall provide farm equipment and machinery such as cold storages, dryers, threshers, and transport facilities to farmer cooperatives. Earlier, in connection with the looming declaration of Food Security Emergency in the country, AGRI stressed the importance of sufficient support for farmers saying, “Sang-ayon po tayo sa pagdedeklara ng food security emergency para mapagaan ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan, pero naniniwala tayo na panandaliang solusyon lang ito.” “Bukod sa short-term solutions, dapat simulan na ang pagpapatupad ng long-term solutions para maging kumpleto ang suporta sa mga local food producers, at hindi na kailanganin pang magdeklara ng food security emergency sa hinaharap,” AGRI stated. “Food security is a national security issue. Dapat gawing prayoridad ang pangangalaga at suporta sa ating mga local food producers o ‘food security soldiers’ dahil nakasalalay sa kanila ang sapat na supply at murang pagkain. Dapat buhusan at paglaanan ito ng tiyak na pondo taon-taon, at siguruhin ang mabilis na implementasyon ng mga programa para maramdaman agad ng mga Pilipino ang benepisyong hatid nito,” it added. Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 27 Jan 2025 AGRI TO DA: FAST-TRACK BUILDING P3-B WORTH OF COLD STORAGES, IMPLEMENT COMPREHENSIVE SUPPLY MONITORING TO AVOID PRICE SURGE 18 Jan 2025 Better Transport Policy for Murang Pagkain: AGRI Party-list’s Vision 17 Jan 2025 Murang Pagkain: Strengthening Food Security Through Better Logistics Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation

2024, Support / By

Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee is urging the government to strengthen support for farmers as a sustainable solution to high inflation, especially with food prices contributing significantly to inflation rates. At a recent Kapihan sa QC forum, Lee emphasized the risks of relying solely on imported goods to address price hikes. “Ang ating mga magsasaka ang dapat laging isaalang-alang sa bawat polisiya,” he shared, noting that imported products could undermine local farmers’ livelihoods if unchecked. Lee has been a consistent advocate for Filipino farmers, proposing measures that ensure they receive fair compensation and support. His Cheaper Rice Act would mandate higher purchase prices for local palay, helping farmers stay competitive amid the influx of imported rice. Additionally, Lee has introduced bills to strengthen post-harvest facilities and market access for farmers, giving them the tools to enhance productivity and lower production costs. The solon highlighted that local farmers deserve better and that giving them support will benefit all Filipinos. As more farmers are encouraged to grow their businesses, food production will increase, which will ultimately lower prices in the market. “Kapag mas malaki ang kita ng ating mga magsasaka, tataas ang produksyon, dadami ang supply, at bababa ang presyo sa merkado,” Lee stated, believing that empowering farmers is the best way to safeguard the nation against inflation. #EmpowerFarmers #FoodSecurityPH #AGRIForThePeople Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 06 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: Supporting Farmers is Best Solution to Curb Inflation 01 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” 31 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation

2024, Advocacy / By

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” Lee Advocates for Stronger Support to Farmers Amid Inflation Amid rising inflation and the recent rice tariff cut, AGRI Party-list Rep. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee calls for stronger government support for local farmers. Speaking at the Kapihan sa QC forum, Lee expressed concerns over how reduced tariffs on rice imports will impact local producers, emphasizing that while importation may temporarily lower prices, it risks driving farmers into debt. Lee stressed that boosting support for local farmers is the key to addressing the long-term issue of high food prices in the Philippines. The Bicolano solon underscored the importance of self-sufficiency in food production, warning of the risks associated with relying too heavily on imports. “Hindi tayo pwedeng nakaasa lang sa importation,” Lee stated, pointing out that global conflicts, disasters, and climate change could disrupt food exports at any moment. Supporting farmers will not only sustain their livelihoods but also reduce the nation’s dependence on imports, which can be unpredictable. Lee’s call for agricultural support includes his Cheaper Rice Act, which would require the Department of Agriculture (DA) to purchase local palay at a price P5-P10 above the standard farmgate price. This measure would both increase farmers’ income and eventually help lower rice prices for consumers. “Naniniwala tayo na mas epektibo nating mapapababa ang presyo ng pagkain sa dagdag na suporta sa ating mga magsasaka!” he added. #SupportLocalFarmers #FoodSecurityPH #WilbertLeeAdvocacy Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 01 Nov 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee: “Ang pinakamabisang solusyon sa inflation ay pagtulong sa mga magsasaka” 31 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 30 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025

2024, Advocacy / By

Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 Determined to strengthen the country’s agriculture sector, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee pushes for a substantial budget increase.  Lee highlighted the pressing need for more funds to support food security, especially in light of climate challenges like El Niño and the anticipated La Niña phenomenon. He stressed the urgency, stating, “Ito ang dapat na prayoridad at dagdagan ng suporta ng gobyerno,” emphasizing that government investments should prioritize food sufficiency and sustainable agriculture practices. The proposed P211 billion agriculture budget, down from last year’s P221.7 billion, marks a significant reduction, which Lee views as a hindrance to achieving the nation’s food security goals. Notably, the Department of Agriculture (DA) had originally projected a P513 billion requirement to fund agricultural modernization and anti-smuggling efforts. Lee supports the DA’s initial target, believing it reflects the sector’s true needs, especially for modernization initiatives that increase productivity and curb food inflation. A staunch advocate for modernization, Lee has continuously urged PhilMech to maximize their funds for farm equipment and post-harvest facilities, which are crucial for supporting agricultural productivity. Through his legislative efforts, including House Bill No. 3958 for post-harvest facilities and House Bill No. 3957 for Kadiwa agri-food terminals, Lee aims to build stronger market linkages for farmers and fisherfolk, ultimately leading to affordable food prices and economic stability for millions of Filipinos. #AGRIForProgress #WilbertLeeAdvocacy #FoodSecurityPH Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 31 Oct 2024 Cong. Wilbert Lee Champions Bigger Budget for Agriculture in 2025 30 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Demands Action on Coconut Farmers’ Health Benefits Amid Delays 29 Oct 2024 Cong. Manoy Wilbert Lee Urges PhilHealth, PCA to Fulfill Commitments to Coconut Farmers’ Health Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities 2024

Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs​

Advocacy / By

Cheaper Rice now! Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Calls for Efficient Supply Chain to Stabilize Rice Costs Amid mounting concerns over the escalating price of rice, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has issued a strong call for a seamless supply chain to combat the issue. By proposing increased manpower at ports and round-the-clock operations, Lee aims to clear the backlog of rice shipments and ensure a steady flow of goods to the market. “Mabilis at epektibong supply chain ang kailangan para masigurong mababa ang presyo ng pagkain,” Lee remarked, stressing the need for both immediate and long-term solutions to stabilize rice prices. Lee also called for stronger support for local agriculture, stating, “Sa suporta sa agrikultura, panalo ang masa.” #FixTheSupplyChain #AgriculturalSupport #WilbertLeeForAgriculture #LowerFoodPricesNow Advocacy Share the News! Previous 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

Cong. Manoy Wilbert “Wise” Lee Demands Swift Action to Clear Ports and Bring Down Skyrocketing Rice Prices

Advocacy / By

Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee Demands Swift Action to Clear Ports and Bring Down Skyrocketing Rice Prices Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee of Agri Party-List has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to expedite the unloading of rice shipments currently stalled at the country’s ports. The lawmaker stressed that the delays caused by port congestion are worsening the price of rice, affecting millions of Filipino consumers. Speaking ahead of his keynote speech at the Visayas Public Transportation Modernization Program Forum in Bacolod, Lee highlighted the urgency of the issue, saying: “Nasa isa hanggang dalawang linggo na nakatengga ang mga kargamento ng bigas. Imbes na mailabas agad at mapababa ang presyo, lalo pa itong nagmamahal.” Lee has proposed increasing manpower at ports or implementing 24/7 operations to speed up the process and lower rice prices for consumers. #RiceCrisis #PortCongestion #PhilippinesFoodSecurity #WilbertLeeForThePeople #LowerRicePrices 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

Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments

Advocacy / By

Amid Port Congestion Delaying Low Rice Prices Lee Urges BOC, PPA To Boost Ports Manpower To Expedite Unloading Of Rice Shipments Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee has called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to expedite the unloading of rice shipments at the country’s ports to increase the supply and lower the price of rice in the market. Lee’s call comes amid port congestion, which has been a significant hurdle in stabilizing rice prices, as noted by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. in a press briefing. “We need to work quickly and efficiently as every delay in unloading rice cargoes not only adds to costs but also worsens the situation for consumers, especially with inflation,” Lee who is set to visit Bacolod today to attend as keynote speaker the Visayas Public Transportation Modernization Program Forum, said. “Biruin n’yo, nasa isa hanggang dalawang linggo na raw nakatengga ‘yung mga kargamento ng bigas sa ating mga ports. Imbes na mailabas agad sa merkado para dumami ang supply at mapababa ang presyo ng bigas, eh lalo pa itong nagmamahal,” he added. Lee proposed increasing manpower at ports or implementing round-the-clock shifts to address the logistical bottlenecks and ensure faster processing of shipments to resolve backlogs quickly. He then called for the immediate passage of his proposed House Bill No. 10426 which pushes 24/7 frontline government services and extension of face-to-face transactions. This measure would include the operations of the BOC and other government agencies to have speedy and efficient administration of services. “We need all hands on deck. Increasing workforce or having 24/7 operations will significantly reduce backlogs and lower the prices of rice,” the solon from Bicol said. “A seamless supply chain system, including efficient port logistics, is crucial to ensuring food security and keeping prices affordable. Mawawalan ng silbi ang Executive Order No. 62 na nagpababa ng taripa sa imported na bigas kung di naman mapapakinabangan ng mga consumers ang mas murang bigas,” he added. EO 62, issued by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in July, lowered the tariffs on imported rice from 35% to 15%. “Walang puwang dapat sa gobyerno ang mababagal at usad-pagong na sistema. Lagi dapat itong agrisibo sa paghahanap ng solusyon kung paano mapagaan ang pasanin ng mga Pilipino, hindi yung lalo pang nagpapabigat sa problema ng taumbayan, lalo sa usapin ng pagkain,” Lee said. “Habang naglalatag tayo ng panandaliang solusyon, dapat kumikilos na tayo para sa long-term na solusyon. Sa suporta sa agrikultura, panalo ang masa. Dapat lang na dagdagan ang tulong sa ating food security soldiers, mula sa pagtatanim, sa anihan, hanggang sa paghahatid at pagbebenta ng produkto sa merkado na siya ring magpapababa ng presyo. Murang pagkain, 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

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

Advocacy / By

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

All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports

Advocacy, Legislation, Support / By

All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports Cong Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee urged the Department of Agriculture (DA) to set up more checkpoints not only along roads but also in seaports to curb the spread of African Swine Fever (ASF) in the country. “Napaka-crucial ng mahigpit na pagbabantay para hindi na kumalat ang ASF na dahilan ng sobrang pagkalugi ng ating mga magbababoy. Milyon-milyon po ang nalulugi sa ating mga hog raisers, paano naman ang mga pamilya nila na dito lang inaasa ang pantustos sa pagkain at iba pang pangangailangan?” Lee, who recently attended as guest speaker at the Agarwood Orientation Seminar in Maasin, Leyte, asked. “Kaya dapat dagdagan pa ng DA ang checkpoints nila para rito, lalo na may mga ulat na kumakalat na ang mga baboy palabas sa mga lugar na may ASF patungo sa ibang parte ng Luzon,” he said. Previously, the DA’s Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) seized two trucks in Quezon City carrying infected hogs reportedly from Quezon province. The trucks were on their way to Pangasinan province. Lee said the DA should partner up with Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) as well as the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to augment BAI manning checkpoints, aside from tapping personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). “While we laud the BAI for proactively looking into tapping MMDA and local traffic enforcers to man checkpoints in Metro Manila, all hands must be on deck to genuinely curb ASF. We have force multipliers available from the PNP, HPG and from PPA that could be deployed should the BAI decide to set up more checkpoints along major highways and ports,” the solon from Bicol said. There are currently six meat inspection checkpoints across the National Capital Region (NCR) to ensure that the pigs being delivered to slaughterhouses and in markets are ASF-free. “Ayaw natin na maging epidemya itong ASF lalo pa’t wala pang sapat na bakuna sa bansa laban dito. Hindi pwedeng malamya sa pagpuksa ng ASF. Dapat doble-kayod ang gobyerno dito at tapatan ng agrisibong aksyon at mabilis na solusyon ang pagpigil sa pagkalat ng sakit,” Lee stressed. The Bicolano lawmaker also urged the government into preparing to declare a state of national calamity should ASF spread beyond what could be controlled by the ASF vaccines, which have been earlier procured. “2019 pa lang, nagkaroon na ng kaso ng ASF sa bansa. Huwag tayong maglokohan dito. Paulit-ulit na ito kaya walang excuse na di magkaroon ng komprehensibong plano para mapigilan ang pagkalat ng sakit, matulungan ang mga apektadong hog raisers, masigurong hindi magkukulang ang supply at protektahan ang mga consumers sa posibleng pagtaas ng presyo ng karne ng baboy,” he said. Earlier, Lee filed House Resolution No. 1956 to investigate the escalating impact of ASF while calling relevant government agencies to provide assistance to hog raisers and prevent possible hike in pork prices. “Filipinos deserve better so we should demand better protocols to protect the livelihood of local food producers and welfare of our consumers. Tulong-tulong po tayo: Tiyak na kabuhayan at dagdag na kita, gawin na natin. Murang pagkain, gawin na natin!” he stated. Previous Activities Share the News! Previous Post Latest Posts​ 11 Oct 2024 All Hands On Deck! Lee Urges DA To Tap HPG, PPA To Man ASF Checkpoints Along Highways, Seaports 11 Oct 2024 Lee Welcomes NFA’s Higher Palay Buying Price, Bats For Cheaper Rice Act 11 Oct 2024 Lawmakers Unite Behind Lee’s Call To Increase DA Budget To Lower Food Prices Categories Activities Advocacy Legislation Support Previous Activities

Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee

Legislation / By

Passage Of Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act To Bring Down Food Prices – Lee With the recent ratification of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, Cong. Wilbert “Manoy” T. Lee said that going after smugglers, hoarders, price manipulators and cartels would effectively bring down food prices which remains to be the main contributor to the overall inflation which rose to 4.4 percent in July. During his trip to Davao Region, Lee said: “Having this Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act signed into law would give the government more teeth to go after hoarders and price manipulators preying on consumers. This is important to stabilize the price of food and other basic commodities which continue to burden Filipinos.” “Dapat habulin at panagutin ang mga demonyong pumapatay sa kabuhayan ng ating local food producers at pabigat sa consumers. Filipinos deserve this law to be implemented because they deserve to be able to have access to basic needs that they need to survive,” Lee, the principal author of the measure, added. Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act seeks to include and penalize other unlawful acts of market abuses, as well as impose a stricter penalty for public officials or employees who tolerate and protect large-scale agricultural smuggling, and other market abuses, namely but not limited to, hoarding, profiteering, or cartel in the country. The House of Representatives passed its version of the proposed law, House Bill No. 9284 on September 27, 2023, while the Senate passed its counterpart Senate Bill No. 2432 on December 12, 2023. The Bicolano lawmaker had previously likened hoarders and price manipulators of agricultural goods to the “devil” and said they needed to be jailed for their crimes. “Parang walang katapusan ang pagtaas ng presyo ng pagkain at iba pang bilihin, na lalong pinapalala ng mga walanghiyang smugglers and hoarders. Marami na ngang hirap sa buhay, lalo pa nilang pinapabigat ang pasanin ng ating mga kababayan. Demonyo lang talaga ang mag-iisip na ayos lang magutom ang kapwa basta kumita sila,” Lee said. “Pirma na nga lang po ng Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang hihintayin natin at ganap nang maisasabatas ang mas pinalakas na Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Law. Panahon na para maipakulong ang mga nasa likod ng mga krimeng nagpapabagsak sa kabuhayan ng ating mga magsasaka, mangingisda, at sa ating ekonomiya. Dapat lahat sila masampolan!” the solon from Bicol added. Earlier, Lee also filed House Resolution No. 1600 to probe the proliferation of online selling of smuggled onions and protect local farmers and consumers. “Panahon na para putulin ang sungay ng mga agri-smugglers, hoarders at price manipulators. Sapat na kita at proteksyon sa local food producers at consumers, gawin na natin. Murang pagkain, gawin na natin!” he said. Share the News! Legislation 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