Tondo, City of Manila
December 14, 2024

“Sa smuggling, ang ginagawa po, ini-smuggle nila, pinapasok nila, tapos iipitin. Hindi ilalabas. Mag-aantay hanggang tumaas ang presyo. ’Pag tumaas ang presyo, saka nila ipagbibili. Kaya’t iyon ang iniiwasan natin dahil ang nabibiktima diyan ay ang taumbayan,” President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said after distributing confiscated frozen mackerel at Barangay 649 of Baseco Port Area in Tondo, City of Manila.

Speaking before the residents and other guests gathered at the event, President Marcos Jr. emphasized the importance of utilizing seized goods for public benefit rather than letting them go to waste.

He also stressed the vital role of collaboration between national government agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian and local government units (LGUs) in organizing distributions and implementing similar initiatives.

The Chief Executive highlighted the government’s intensified campaign against agricultural smuggling under the newly enacted Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act. He stressed that smuggling not only disrupts market prices but also victimizes ordinary Filipinos by creating artificial shortages and driving up costs.

“Mayroon po kasi tayong bagong batas na tinatawag na Anti-Agricultural Sabotage Act. Ibig sabihin, ginagawa natin ang lahat ng pamamaraan upang pababain ang presyo ng pagkain,” he said.

The President also expressed gratitude to the agencies and individuals who made the event possible, ensuring that the confiscated fish would benefit the community.

“Kaya’t hindi natin papayagan na magpatuloy ang ganyang klaseng sistema. Kaya ginawan nga namin ng batas at pinapatibay namin ng mabuti,” President Marcos Jr. concluded in his speech.

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