SUGAR Board member Emilio Yulo III revealed on Wednesday, March 27, that the sugar industry fears the possible issuance of an executive order on sugar liberalization.
Yulo said that the relief of the sugar industry on the issue of liberalizing the sugar industry is only temporary because of the election season.
The market, he said, is so vulnerable at this time.
Sugar liberalization has been proposed by the financial managers of President Rodrigo Duterte to address the high price of sugar in the market. It will allow the unrestricted importation of sugar.
The sugar industry has also been airing fears that the industry will die if the plans push through.
Meanwhile, Yulo revealed that Tatak Kalamay, which he also leads, is also supporting former Metro Manila Development Authority chairman Francis Tolentino. The group recently endorsed seven senatorial bets. But now, the group’s list is up to eight with the inclusion of Tolentino, a candidate of Hugpong ng Pagbabago (HNP).
Yulo said Tolentino presented strong positions in favor of the sugar industry during the HNP grand political rally in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental on March 25.
The seven senatorial bets endorsed by Tatak Kalamay are reelectionist Senators Cynthia Villar, JV Ejercito, Nancy Binay and Sonny Angara; Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan president Koko Pimentel; former special assistant to the president Bong Go; and former Philippine National Police director Bato Dela Rosa. According to Tatak Kalamay, these officials have been fighting and defending the sugar industry. (TDE)