Makabayan bloc lawmakers at the House of Representatives filed House Resolution 2263 on Thursday, seeking a probe on the reported smuggling of vegetables into the local market. The resolution cited a report of the Benguet Truckers and Traders Association that the country has been flooded with smuggled carrots since August this year. Farmers' group Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas said the Agriculture department and the Bureau of Customs must be held accountable for the smuggling of vegetables. Vegetable traders at the La Trinidad Trading Post in Benguet said orders have drastically dropped because of the illegal activity. "Benguet farmers, vegetable traders and truckers reiterated their demand to stop the vegetable smuggling as they urged the government for a more significant protection for local farmers against imports and smuggled produce," the resolution read.

Source: Manila Times September 30, 2021 16:18 UTC