File photo for reference only

 

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has dismissed accusations that the Department of Agriculture (DA) is "clueless" about tackling agricultural smuggling, clarifying that enforcement isn't the agency’s main duty.

 

In a firm rebuttal, Tiu Laurel highlighted a recent report that described the DA's 'helplessness' in fighting illegal trade. He emphasised the necessity of collaboration with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and other agencies, as current laws require the DA to partner with enforcement bodies to tackle unscrupulous traders effectively.

 

“We are not clueless. We actually know everything that's happening,” Tiu Laurel stated in an interview. The main issue, he explained, is the DA's lack of enforcement authority.

 

To address this, Tiu Laurel revealed plans to seek enforcement powers for the DA’s Inspectorate and Enforcement (DA-IE) unit. This move involves requesting support from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. through an Executive Order, as well as securing additional funding.

 

“We will ask President Marcos to establish our DA-IE as an official enforcement body; this will enable us to take action,” Tiu Laurel said. He stressed the need for support from the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and Philippine Coast Guard.

 

The DA is committed to continuing joint operations with the PNP against agricultural smuggling. This includes warehouse inspections and legal action under the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage law, sending a clear warning to smugglers. The department aims to implement bottom-up tracing and intensified raids to combat the issue effectively.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from PNA 2025-06-24

 

 

Wow.  Seems a simple fix.  Give them enforcement authority, then they can be more fairly judged as to whether they are clueless or not, or whether it's the people making these accusations who are the clueless ones.