The Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) has filed a formal complaint before the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office against JRA and Pearl Enterprises Inc., along with its key officials, for illegally importing fresh yellow onions in violation of food safety and plant quarantine regulations.
The complaint, lodged by Henrick Exconde, Area Manager of the BPI’s National Plant Quarantine Division at the Port of Manila – South Harbor, stems from JRA’s importation of 25 metric tons of fresh yellow onions from China without the required import permit. The shipment, valued at approximately P2.37 million, arrived at Manila’s South Harbor in July last year.
Exconde stated that at the time of importation, the BPI had suspended the issuance of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Import Clearances (SPSIC) for fresh yellow onions.
“It is important to note that during this time, the BPI had suspended issuing SPSICs for fresh yellow onion imports,” he noted in his complaint.
The BPI had temporarily stopped issuing import permits for fresh yellow onions from January 1 to August 19 of last year.
Despite this, JRA proceeded with the importation and failed to provide a valid explanation for bypassing the mandatory SPSIC requirement. The clearance ensures that imported produce is free from pests, diseases, and safe for human consumption.
Charged alongside JRA are its president, Jessica Pascual, and directors Jacob Tuballa, Perlita Tuballa, Joezel Tuballa, and Joward Tuballa. JRA is a Paranaque-based company registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said the case is part of the DA’s wider crackdown on agricultural smuggling to protect both local farmers and consumers.
“Similar legal actions are underway as we intensify our campaign against agricultural smugglers. Let this serve as a warning to those who seek to challenge our resolve,” the DA chief said, citing violations of the Food Safety Act and the Plant Quarantine Law.