Cheap Chinese broccoli sold in Baguio? DA Sec. Laurel orders probe

BAGUIO CITY — Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. has ordered an investigation into the reported sale of cheaper Chinese broccoli and other imported highland vegetables in Baguio City, warning that those responsible for illegal agricultural imports will be punished if violations are established.

“We will get to the bottom of this, and if violations of the Anti-Agricultural Economic Sabotage Law were indeed committed, we will make sure these violators are punished,” Laurel said, as quoted by the Manila Standard on October 18.

The Department of Agriculture (DA) directed its Inspectorate and Enforcement Office and the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) to investigate the reported entry and sale of broccoli, carrots and other highland vegetables that could be competing with produce grown by Benguet farmers.

The probe followed monitoring operations in Baguio City and La Trinidad, Benguet, where authorities found imported broccoli being sold alongside locally grown vegetables.

According to a DA-Cordillera report dated October 15, three stalls at the Baguio Hangar Market displayed imported broccoli. One stall had a styrofoam box marked “Product of China.”

Vendors and distributors reportedly told monitoring teams that around 50 boxes of broccoli, costing approximately P1,250 each, were sourced every other day from a supplier in Santo Cristo, Divisoria, Manila. The vegetables were reportedly transported to the Cordillera aboard trucks returning from Manila.

The broccoli was being sold at P170 to P250 per kilogram in monitored areas, according to the report.

Authorities have yet to establish whether the vegetables were smuggled into the country. The investigation will determine their origin and verify the required import documents, plant quarantine compliance and food safety requirements.

The DA-Cordillera also reported that some buyers preferred the cheaper imported broccoli, making it more difficult for local growers to sell their harvest.

Previous cases raise concern

The latest incident follows previous cases involving imported vegetables suspected of being smuggled into Philippine markets.

In April 2025, authorities seized approximately 34 metric tons of white onions from China in a warehouse in Mexico, Pampanga. The shipment had allegedly been misdeclared as processed chicken products. Laboratory tests found Salmonella and traces of heavy metals in the confiscated onions, according to the DA.

In July 2025, the DA also reported the interception of agricultural shipments suspected of smuggling, including fresh carrots and onions, at the Port of Subic. The shipments lacked required import permits, according to the agency.

These cases have highlighted recurring concerns over agricultural smuggling, the possible entry of products that fail regulatory requirements, and the impact of unfair competition on local farmers.

The DA-Cordillera has recommended joint inspections by the DA-Inspectorate and Enforcement Office and the BPI at major trading hubs in Metro Manila, CALABARZON and Central Luzon. It also called for closer coordination with local government units and the Department of Trade and Industry to strengthen market monitoring, product labeling and price-tag compliance.

The BPI has collected broccoli samples for testing for heavy metals and formalin, according to the regional monitoring report.

The DA said the investigation would establish whether any laws or regulations had been violated, stressing that imported vegetables that are legally brought into the country and comply with food safety and quarantine requirements may be sold in the domestic market.