Cosalan pushes probe on vegetable smuggling

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Re-electionist Benguet Rep. Ronald Cosalan said he would ask for a more comprehensive inquiry on vegetable smuggling and over importation to involve the physical presence of representatives of government agencies concerned such as the Department Agriculture and Bureau of Customs and dig out the real problem.

He said no complete investigation has ever been conducted because of the absence of complainants who do not want to come forward, and the non-attendance of representatives of concerned government agencies during inquiries.  

Farmers and private individuals were at times overheard saying that while local officials have been motoring down to Manila everytime reports about illegal vegetable imports were apprehended, this did not substantially help ease the problem as some trips became photo-ops and for publicity.  

Sometime in 2001, there were allegations that complainants received sums of money from rich illegal importers for them to just keep their mouths shut.

Cosalan who is again being groomed to be chosen as chairman of the Committee on Public Works and Infrastructure in Congress said, the nationalization bills of roads linking Tublay to Kibungan, the Gurel-Kabayan-Abatan road, Asin-La Union road, and the Ambiong-Tawang road that are all being reconstructed are ready to be signed by PNoy.

Cosalan took his oath of office last Friday (June 28, 2013) as second term congressman of Benguet in his hometown of Tublay in simple rites officiated by unopposed mayor Ruben Paoad.     

This, as Cosalan said improvement of road infrastructure without any doubt develops agriculture and uplifts the condition of Benguet farmers and from all over considering the fact that good roads mean lesser transport expenses by farmers of their products from the farm to the trading posts and public markets.

This is a practical means and doable solution in terms of providing support to our vegetable farmers, especially in Benguet.

Cosalan stressed this in the wake of reports about the never ending over-importation of cold climate or highland vegetables from China and other Asian countries that he has been receiving.

“While we cannot financially subsidize our farmers since direct subsidy is still not possible in the Philippines, we can help them by building good roads, help the agencies minimize smuggling and control importation,” Cosalan said.

It has been reported that one of the causes for oversupply of imported and smuggled vegetables in lowland markets was due to the subsidy that some Asian countries provide for their farm workers who do not have to shell out additional capital for farm inputs such as fertilizers and labor expenses.

Cosalan said, “In fact this administration is doing its part by improving the roads nationwide so that lesser travel expenses for traders and farmers convert to post production savings.” -- MF