BPI files smuggling raps vs vegetable importer
The government has filed smuggling charges against Betron Consumer Goods Trading and its owner, Ronnel Manalang, for misdeclaring P20.8 million worth of produce that were found not to have phytosanitary permits.
The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) filed the complaint before the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office for violating the Food Safety Act and the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978.
The complaint stemmed from the confiscation of five shipping containers declared as frozen fish balls at the Port of Subic last August.
Upon inspection, the authorities discovered that these containers held 56,998 kilos of carrots and 85,626 kilos of yellow onions, valued at about P20.8 million.
No import clearances
In the complaint, Carmela Rivera, area manager for Subic Port’s National Plant Quarantine Services Division, said they seized the misdeclared produce.
The goods lacked the mandatory sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances, which ensured that such food items comply with existing standards to protect the health of humans, plants and animals as well as prevent the spread of diseases or pests.
“Further analysis revealed traces of E. coli and unregistered pesticide residues on the seized produce,” the Department of Agriculture (DA) said in a statement over the weekend.
Blacklisted
Worse, Betron and Manalang ignored a show-cause order issued to them, prompting the BPI to file the complaint on Dec. 9, 2024, resulting in the revocation of Betron’s importation license.
Betron and Manalang were subsequently blacklisted from engaging in future operations in the agricultural sector.
Those found guilty of violating the Food Safety Act may be slapped with penalties that include a fine ranging from P50,000 to P500,000 and suspension or permanent revocation of authorization to operate a food business.
They may be also be held liable for hospitalizations and rehabilitations arising from the imported produce, and face imprisonment from six months to six years.
Last December, the DA announced that it blacklisted 10 companies, including Betron, for illegal trade acts or other unlawful agricultural practices.
