Marcos should discuss smuggling by Chinese syndicates: Inquirer

The smuggling of agricuLtural produce is believed to have contributed to the surge in prices of basic goods and services to a 14-year high of 8 per cent in November 2022. - AFP

MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network): Citing “Class A information” from well-placed sources, Albay Rep. Joey Salceda declared with absolute certainty that a syndicate led by Chinese nationals has been behind the smuggling into the country of prime agricultural products, including red onions, which now cost three times more from last year and as much as 40 per cent more than the price of prime cuts of beef.

“This mafia is in control of agricultural smuggling in the country at every stage of the smuggling process, from transport to arrival to import permits and sanitary inspection,” said Salceda, adding that “intelligence sources” identify the main characters as Chinese or their associates.