MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 24, 2008) – Philippine opposition leaders accused the government of failing to eradicate smuggling activities in the country which is now facing a huge rice shortage and soaring prices of basic commodities.
The United Opposition (UNO) said the rampant smuggling aggravated the current economic situation and has greatly affected millions of poor Filipinos and the agricultural sector.
"The biggest problem caused by rampant smuggling is that it killed the agricultural sector which is why we are experiencing the rice crisis," said opposition leader Joseph Victor Ejercito, who is also the mayor of San Juan.
The mayor, son of deposed Philippine leader Joseph Estrada, said the Arroyo government failed to uplift the poor living standards of the Filipinos.
Ejercito made the comment following the disclosure by the Presidential Anti-Smuggling Task Force Group (PASG) that the government is losing P65 billion annually from smuggling activities. But independent figures estimate the government could lose as much as P100 billion. Most of the contraband, PASG said, come from Singapore, Malaysia, and China.
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