“Every Filipino consumer deserves not just to eat, but to eat with dignity and peace of mind”
The majority of Filipino consumers are feeling the sting of market prices for vegetables, fish, and rice climbing higher and higher.
What once comfortably fed a family now feels like a luxury. It’s more than frustration—it’s a blow to survival, dignity, and the heart of every household.
This is why the newly signed Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, or Republic Act 12022, holds so much promise—and why its success or failure will directly shape our lives.
The law aims to protect Filipino farmers and fisherfolk from exploitative traders and importers, but equally, it seeks to protect ordinary Filipino consumers from the devastating effects of price manipulation.
This isn’t just about agricultural livelihoods; it’s about ensuring that food remains on our tables at fair and sustainable prices.
As consumer advocates, we at CitizenWatch Philippines have been calling for decisive action against large-scale smuggling, hoarding, and profiteering, that for far too long, have distorted the Philippine market.
These illegal practices inflate prices, making it difficult for farmers to compete and for consumers to afford basic necessities.
According to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the country lost over ₱3 billion in 2023 alone due to these activities.
Worse yet, smuggled goods and cartel-driven pricing not only hurt our pockets—they breed distrust, desperation, and instability in our society.
During the ceremonial signing of the law, the President rightly called these acts of economic sabotage a “betrayal.” He’s not wrong.
When illicit traders exploit loopholes or operate with impunity, they are betraying our farmers who toil under the sun and us consumers working hard to make ends meet.
It is a betrayal that, until now, our system has failed to adequately punish.
The Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act gives our laws sharper teeth with stricter penalties and stronger enforcement mechanisms, providing hope that such betrayals will finally meet justice.
One of the key tools introduced by the law is the Daily Price Index which will help identify price manipulation and economic sabotage quickly, allowing authorities to act proactively. When used effectively, this can mean more predictable and fair food prices.
But this important law will need strong enforcement. At a recent event hosted by the Stratbase Institute titled “Strengthening Resilience for Food Security: Collaborative Strategies Against Agricultural Economic Sabotage,” experts and government officials came together to tackle this very issue.
The panel stressed that enforcement gaps must be closed through better coordination, resource sharing, and streamlined processes. In short, it’s about making sure that the law isn’t just ink on paper but a living force that actively protects our markets and our meals.
During the discussion, Felicisimo Madayag Jr., Director at the Department of Agriculture, summed up what’s at stake: “Success isn’t just about laws or penalties. It’s about rebuilding trust, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring food security.”
Trust is fragile — farmers must believe their work is valued, and consumers must believe prices are fair.
Assistant Secretary Randolph Pascasio of the DOJ emphasized the law’s “whole-of-nation approach,” targeting not only smugglers but their enablers—brokers, warehouse operators, and corrupt officials – a clear warning to all economic saboteurs.
Technology is key. Atty. Emee Macabales of the Department of Finance highlighted the upcoming digital national single window system by 2025. This digital shield will expose smugglers, protecting both consumers and farmers.
As Rupert Paul Manhit, Chief Operating Officer of the Stratbase Group, aptly put it, “The law is just one component of the solution. By working together, we can ensure that this legislation achieves its full potential—empowering the Filipino people and safeguarding the integrity of our agricultural supply chain.”
That’s a call to action for everyone—government agencies, law enforcers, farmers, and yes, even consumers like us. We must be vigilant on how this law is enforced.
At its core, the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act is about protecting the food on our plates and the integrity of those who provide it.
If enforced properly, this law could mean a future where food prices are fair, our farmers are secure, and our trust in the system is restored.
Because in the end, every Filipino consumer deserves not just to eat, but to eat with dignity and peace of mind.