The Department of Agriculture (DA) has filed a complaint against JRA and Pearl Enterprises for importing P2.37 million worth of fresh yellow onions without the necessary permits. The Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) lodged the complaint with the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office, alleging that the company imported 25 metric tons of fresh yellow onions from China, which arrived at the Manila South Harbor in July 2024.
At the time of the importation, the government had suspended the issuance of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPSICs) for fresh yellow onions from January 1 to August 19, 2024, citing sufficient domestic supply to meet local demand. The SPSIC is a mandatory requirement to ensure that agricultural commodities entering the country are safe for consumption and free from pests or diseases.
The complaint names JRA president Jessica Pascual and directors Jacob, Perlita, Joezel, and Joward Tuballa as respondents. The BPI asserts that JRA failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for importing onions without securing the required import clearance.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. stated that this legal action is part of the DA’s ongoing efforts to protect local farmers and consumers from unfair trade practices and potential public health risks. He emphasized the importance of adhering to import regulations to maintain the integrity of the agricultural sector.
This case follows a similar incident where the BPI sued Chastity Consumer Goods Trading for allegedly misdeclaring imported onions as processed food. The firm was not registered with the BPI as an importer and lacked the necessary clearances for importation. The complaint, filed in the Olongapo City Prosecutor’s Office, was based on the discovery of yellow onions in two container vans that arrived at the Port of Subic.
The DA’s stringent enforcement of import regulations aims to ensure that all agricultural imports comply with national standards, safeguarding both the agricultural industry and public health.
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