Binay: Strict law enforcement key to stopping smugglers, hoarders

Mayor Abby Binay in a press conference together with other Alyansa candidates.

MANILA, Philippines – Mayor Abby Binay, in a press conference on Tuesday, emphasized the urgent need for stricter enforcement of laws targeting hoarding, smuggling, and profiteering.

Discussing the senatorial slate of Alyansa para sa Bagong Pilipinas, Binay argued that the core issue lies not in legislative gaps but in the inadequate implementation of existing laws.

“There is no shortage of legislation,” Binay stated. “What we lack is effective enforcement. To date, we have not heard of any smugglers being jailed or penalized for manipulating rice prices.” She identified the rising cost of rice as directly linked to the activities of these criminals and insisted on the necessity of aggressive law enforcement measures.

READ: Abby Binay: Gov’t needs stronger laws vs rice smuggling

Binay further highlighted the critical roles of the Department of Agriculture and the Bureau of Customs in ensuring that offenders are prosecuted and imprisoned. “We need examples set through arrests and convictions to deter others. Reports often focus on initial arrests but fade afterward, leaving these cases unresolved,” she remarked.

The mayor also called upon the media to actively monitor and report on ongoing cases, stating, “Public awareness can drive accountability. We must keep these issues visible until perpetrators are convicted.”

Under Republic Act 12022, the Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act, those guilty of agricultural smuggling, hoarding, or profiteering face severe penalties, including life imprisonment and hefty fines, emphasizing the government’s commitment to combating economic sabotage in the agricultural sector.

Binay concluded with a strong message: “Simply blacklisting businesses involved in such crimes is insufficient; serious violations warrant lifelong imprisonment.”