Manila: Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) Undersecretary Benjamin Acorda Jr. revealed that the Chinese Embassy applied pressure after a raid on Sanjia Steel Corp. in mid-May, an event portrayed as a geopolitical issue by the embassy. The revelation was made during a Senate Committee on Economic Affairs inquiry focused on the local steel industry, specifically addressing compliance with national laws in special economic zones and the integrity of domestic steel production.
According to Philippines News Agency, Acorda expressed surprise at the Chinese Embassy's attempt to frame the law enforcement operation as a geopolitical matter. This was in response to Senator Risa Hontiveros' inquiry into why the Chinese Embassy showed interest and allegedly issued threats concerning the operation, which was an enforcement of Philippine laws. Acorda mentioned that Chinese officials questioned the presence of a Cabinet secretary during the raid.
The Sanjia facility is situated within the Phividec Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental, leading authorities to coordinate with the Department of National Defense. Acorda highlighted the importance of a nearby port, which could play a significant role in the investigation. He indicated that numerous shipments had been conducted there, prompting an examination of their frequency and contents in collaboration with the Bureau of Customs and other agencies.
Senator Hontiveros emphasized that law enforcement operations should not be immediately linked to geopolitical tensions, especially given the potential impact on Filipinos working in China. She recalled the arrest of about 100 Filipinos in China for alleged immigration violations post-raid and urged the executive branch to ensure their welfare and legal assistance.
Acorda shared that some Filipinos in China reached out to him after the arrests, urging Philippine authorities to continue their operations despite threats. They assured him of their support and confirmed that some of the arrested Filipinos were undocumented.
The Senate hearing was held under Proposed Senate Resolution No. 588, aimed at investigating the domestic steel industry to enhance integrated iron and steel capacity, strengthen compliance with laws in economic zones, and protect the domestic industry's integrity. It also addressed Hontiveros' August 19 speech regarding Sanjia's operations.
In her closing remarks, Hontiveros stated that the inquiry revealed regulatory and enforcement gaps in the steel industry, posing risks to workers, consumers, and the industry itself. She mentioned that the committee report would propose policy measures to enforce firm steel regulations, with the possibility of further inquiry if new findings emerge.
