THREE food importers have been blacklisted and five more could lose their licenses for engaging in illegal activities, the Department of Agriculture said on Wednesday. The blacklisted firms were identified as LVM Grains Enterprises, which imported rice, cashew nuts and coffee without the proper clearances, and Kysse Lishh Consumer Goods Trading and Golden Rays Consumer Goods Trading, which brought in onions and oranges despite having no import permits and licenses. AdvertisementThree companies that engaged in anti-competitive trade activities are being prosecuted by the Philippine Competition Commission, the DA said. The DA noted that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had just signed a law classifying smuggling, hoarding and cartel operations involving farm goods as economic sabotage. "We will not turn a blind eye to these importers' illegal practices that undermine government revenues and put public health at risk," Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said.

Source: Manila Times October 09, 2024 16:46 UTC