Guv asks for continued vigilance vs sugar import liberalization

GOVERNOR Eugenio Jose Lacson urges all stakeholders in the sugar industry to stay vigilant against sugar import liberalization.

Lacson said Monday, November 18, that while the resolution recently passed by the Senate blocked the move of the economic managers to allow the entry of imported sugar into the country without restrictions, it is only temporary because a grace period will last from seven months to one year.

Lacson revealed that an insider within the sugar industry gave him such information.

“That’s why we have to continue doing moves to stop the sugar liberalization,” Lacson said.

Lacson added that the move of President Rodrigo Duterte to suspend the entry of imported rice despite the Rice Tariffication Law could be one step to enlighten the economic managers the impact of liberalized import of rice and sugar as well to our local farmers.

The economic managers are the one deciding so we should find ways on how to convince them not to allow the entry of imported sugar without restrictions.

Almost all senators have adopted and passed a new resolution urging the Executive Department not to pursue the planned liberalization of the sugar industry with the end view of safeguarding the sugar farmers and industry workers in 20 provinces in the country including Negros Occidental.

The Senate Resolution No. 213 was introduced by 22 senators namely Juan Miguel Zubiri, Cynthia Villar, Juan Edgardo Angara, Nancy Binay, Sherwin Gatchalian, Richard Gordon, Aquilino Pimentel III, Joel Villanueva, Vicente Sotto III, Ralph Recto, Franklin Drilon, Pia Cayetano, Ronald Dela Rosa, Christopher Go, Risa Hontiveros, Panfilo Lacson, Imee Marcos, Emmanuel Pacquiao, Francis Pangilinan, Grace Poe, Ramon Revilla Jr. and Francis Tolentino. (TDE)