AMID rising prices and shortages of agricultural products due to what he called 'nefarious acts,' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified as urgent the proposed measure imposing severe penalties on the crimes of agricultural economic sabotage.

In his letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri dated Sept. 20, 2023, Marcos called for the immediate enactment of Senate Bill 2432, or an 'Act defining the crimes of agricultural economic sabotage, providing penalties therefore, creating the anti-agricultural economic sabotage council.' 'The need to facilitate the passage of this important piece of legislation is imperative, especially now that the country is beset by rising prices and shortages in agricultural products, partly due to the nefarious acts of smuggling, hoarding, profteeríng, and cartel,' Marcos said.