No more chocolates from Middle East, as Filipinos returns home with onions instead, as prices cost 200% more than pork or chicken.
At least ten flight attendants of the Philippine Airlines (PAL) are now under investigation after they allegedly tried to smuggle nearly 40 kilos of onions and fruits from the Middle East.
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the agricultural products were found inside the luggage of the cabin crews flight PR659 who just landed from Dubai and Riyadh on Jan.10.
Around 11.5 kilos of onions, 4.5 kilos of lemons and a kilo of strawberries amounting to $150 were confiscated by the agency as it was found without import permit. Investigation is underway as the BOC said crewmembers have violated the Plant Quarantine Law of 1978.
Meanwhile, Senators on Monday condemned the BOC for humiliating 10 flight attendants.
Seantor JV Ejercito expressed disapproval over the reports as he believed the products were only meant for personal consumption as prices of onions surged to up to P700 per kilo in some other public markets.
PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said that an investigation for the 10 flight attendants involved was already initiated.
"Philippine Airlines does not condone any violation of customs regulations. We will impose the appropriate disciplinary sanctions subject to the results of the investigation. We are fully cooperating with the customs authorities on this matter. We reiterate to all our personnel the need to adhere strictly to customs regulations at all times," said Villaluna.
To immediately address the issue, the Philippine government had imported over 21,000 metric tons of onions and launched an investigation to crack down cartels.
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