MANILA: The government is cancelling all permits to import farm products to curb smuggling, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said Tuesday.
Legitimate importers need to apply for new permits, which will be issued within 24 hours, Pinol told reporters.
The government’s move is not expected to affect food prices, especially ahead of the Christmas season, he said.
Pinol moved to tighten restrictions on imports after receiving reports that some permits were being re-used for different shipments.