The Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), in the Philipines, has filed a formal complaint with the Manila City Prosecutor's Office against JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc. and its directors for importing fresh yellow onions in violation of food safety and plant quarantine regulations.
The complaint, lodged by Henrick Exconde, Area Manager of the BPI's National Plant Quarantine Division at the Port of Manila – South Harbor, arises from JRA's importation of 25 metric tons of fresh yellow onions from China without the necessary import permit. The shipment, with an estimated value of P2.37 million, was consigned to JRA and arrived at Manila's South Harbor in July.
Exconde narrated that during the period of importation, the BPI had suspended the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSIC) for fresh yellow onions. "It is important to note that during this time, the BPI had suspended issuing SPSICs for fresh yellow onion imports," Exconde stated in his complaint.
The BPI had halted the issuance of import permits for fresh yellow onions from January 1 to August 19 of last year.
JRA, however, failed to provide a satisfactory explanation as to why it imported the onions without first securing the necessary SPSIC, a certification ensuring the vegetables were safe for human consumption and would not spread pests or plant diseases.
Also named as respondents in the complaint are JRA President Jessica Pascual, along with directors Jacob Tuballa, Perlita Tuballa, Joezel Tuballa, and Joward Tuballa. Paranaque-based JRA is a registered enterprise with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the complaint is part of the Department of Agriculture's broader efforts to safeguard local farmers and consumers from unfair trade practices and potential public health risks.
"Similar legal actions are being prepared as we intensify our campaign against agricultural smugglers. Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to challenge our resolve (the complaint was filed for violation of the Food Safety Act and plant quarantine law)," the agriculture chief said.
For more information:
Department of Agriculture
Tel: +63 2 8928 8741
Email: osec.official@da.gov.ph
www.da.gov.ph