MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Imee Marcos slammed the Department of Agriculture (DA) for supposedly trying to pull off a “midnight deal” to import fish to the detriment of local fishers. Marcos, chair of the Senate committee on economic affairs, criticized Agriculture Secretary William Dar for signing on Monday Administrative Order No. 10-2022 which allows the importation of 38,695 metric tons of small pelagic fish, like galunggong (round scad), sardines and mackerel. “The DA’s midnight madness goes on, from contriving a shortage earlier this year while a large supply was still in storage to bypassing outright the NFARMC,” Marcos said. But, Marcos said, the Fisheries Code requires the DA to consult with the NFARMC on decisions affecting stakeholders in the fishing industry.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 25, 2022 23:23 UTC