SINAG endorses 7 ‘local agri champions’ to the senate
THE Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) endorsed seven senatorial candidates whom it considers as “local agri champions” based on their performance and positions on agricultural and food security issues.
Engr. Rosendo So, SINAG chairman, said the seven are: former Senators Vicente “Tito” Sotto, Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, and Panfilo “Ping” Lacson; Rep. Camille Villar; former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr.; and reelectionist senators Imee Marcos and Bong Revilla Jr.
“We are confident that these Magnificent Seven senatorial candidates, if elected, will push for pro-local agri legislation and defend the sector from elements pushing for the demise of local agriculture,” he said.
SINAG highlighted the candidates’ authorship and support of critical laws such as:
- RA 12022 – Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Act, penalizing large-scale smuggling and hoarding;
- RA 12078 – Rice Tariff Law Enhancements, which increased farmer allocations to ₱30 billion annually;
- RA 11953 – New Agrarian Emancipation Act, which wrote off ₱57 billion in unpaid land amortization; and
- RA 10611 – Food Safety Act, enabling 100% inspection of all imported agri-food items at first border facilities.
“These laws represent real, tangible support for our farmers and food producers, and the candidates we’ve endorsed have stood with us at every step,” said So.
The group also commended the candidates for their opposition to repeated tariff reductions on imported rice, pork, and chicken — which have crippled local producers — and for their support of stricter anti-smuggling measures, including the establishment of a permanent First Border Facility to curb the entry of illegal agricultural imports.
“We have worked with these leaders in standing against harmful liberalization and in defending the dignity and livelihoods of Filipino farmers,” said So.
The endorsement comes amid continued challenges facing Philippine agriculture, including rising input costs, climate risks, and the influx of imported commodities.
“We’re calling on voters to support candidates who will help us build a food-secure, farmer-centered future,” So said. (Eva Visperas)
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