‘No DA, PSA budgets until excess onion imports solved’

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June 12, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Francis Pangilinan on Wednesday threatened to reject the 2027 budgets of the Department of Agriculture and Philippine Statistics Authority if the DA and PSA fail to reconcile their data and stop the oversupply of imported onions.

Customs agents have found P86.684 million worth of abandoned red onions from China, weighing 650,000 kilos, at the Manila International Container Port.

Of the P9.64 million in duties and taxes, the consignee has yet to pay P9.073 million.

Contradicting data were presented by the DA and PSA during a hearing on March 26, Pangilinan said.

An oversupply of onions in the market was reported by the PSA. The DA said there was a supply shortage.

“The DA and PSA have to fix their harvest projection. During budget debates in August and September, I would not approve their allocations if they are unable to present a system where they could reconcile their supply numbers,” Pangilinan said.

Pangilinan, chairman of the Senate committee on agriculture, food and agrarian reform, said he would call for an inquiry into the possible oversupply of imported red onions.

Meanwhile, the DA recommended the destruction of confiscated red onions from China to reduce potential health risks.

Agriculture Assistant Secretary Willie Ann Angsiy said inspections showed that the onions are no longer safe for human consumption.

“We cannot risk public health by allowing spoiled agricultural products to enter the market,” Angsiy said.  –  Adrian Kenneth Halili