The administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will continue to boost efforts to curb smuggling in the country.

President Marcos gave the assurance as he reiterated a staunch stance against smuggling during his third State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday.

The Chief Executive noted that with modernized customs procedures and heightened enforcement efforts, more than PhP2.7 billion worth of smuggled agri-fisheries products were seized.

He added the efforts prevented smugglers from entering their goods to the market and adversely influence prices.

President Marcos further disclosed that all seized rice were distributed to impoverished families while other smuggled products were destroyed to ensure they won’t be recycled.

The President declared that the government is bent on launching other measures to strengthen the drive against smuggling.

“Soon, we will be implementing the pre-border technical verification and cross-border electronic invoicing of import commodities. This will send a strong message that we mean serious business,” Marcos said. PND