The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) said Tuesday it filed a complaint with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office against JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., along with their directors, for allegedly importing fresh yellow onions without a permit in violation of food safety and plant quarantine regulations.
JRA allegedly imported 25 metric tons of fresh yellow onions from China. The shipment, which arrived at Manila’s South Harbor in July 2023, was valued at P2.37 million.
BPI National Plant Quarantine Division area manager Hendrick Exconde said that at the time of importation, the BPI suspended issuing sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSIC) for fresh yellow onions.
“It is important to note that during this period, the BPI had halted the issuance of SPSICs for fresh yellow onion imports,” he said, noting that the suspension was implemented from Jan. 1 to Aug. 19, 2025.
BPI said despite this, JRA failed to provide a valid explanation for importing the onions without securing the necessary SPSIC—a certification ensuring the produce is safe for consumption and free from pests or plant diseases.
BPI named JRA president Jessica Pascual and directors Jacob Tuballa, Perlita Tuballa, Joezel Tuballa, and Joward Tuballa as the respondents in the complaint.
JRA, based in Parañaque, is a registered enterprise with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the complaint is a part of the government’s crackdown on agricultural smuggling to protect local farmers and consumers.
“Similar legal actions are underway as we intensify our campaign against agricultural smugglers. Let this serve as a warning to those who challenge our resolve,” he said.