SAVE the Sugar Industry Movement (Save-Sim) secretary-general Wennie Sancho revealed that the House of Representatives have approved House Resolutions 412 and 439 opposing the proposed sugar import liberalization.
Sancho said a congressional hearing was called by the Committee of Agriculture this week, which then ratified the two house resolutions.
The said hearing was also attended by Bacolod City lone district Congressman Greg Gasataya and Abang Lingkod Party-list Congressman Stephen Paduano.
Stakeholders of the sugar industry are also in attendance. Following the approval of the two resolutions, the House of Representatives have reportedly ordered Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) head Hermengildo Serafica to submit a report of the quantity of sugar imports, while the Department of Finance was asked for verification of their advisory.
The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) was also requested by the House of Representatives to clarify their programs under sugar liberalization. Sancho added the approval was a "victory" not just for the miller and workers but for the entire Negrense people.