‘Unmask agricultural smuggling financiers, be a state witness’Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan presides over the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform at the Senate in Pasay on February 10, 2026MANILA, Philippines — Suspecting a conspiracy involving high-ranking officials, Sen. Francis Pangilinan yesterday urged resource persons in the ongoing agricultural smuggling inquiry to consider becoming state witnesses and unmask financiers behind multibillion-peso schemes. Believing that the masterminds hold government positions, Pangilinan likened the smuggling probe to the flood control controversy, wherein former public works undersecretary Roberto Bernardo turned state witness. San Andres is currently detained after being cited in contempt last year for supposedly lying to the committee. Despite the company paying P1.6 billion in duties and taxes, Lumbang denied any knowledge of the firm or signing any documents. Agriculture Assistant Secretary Willie Ann Angsiy has confirmed that a draft joint memorandum circular is under review by food safety regulatory agencies.

Source: Philippine Star February 10, 2026 16:34 UTC