DEPARTMENT of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian has resigned from his post due to sugar importation dispute, said Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles Saturday, August 13, 2022.
“I sincerely offer my apologies, Your Excellency, for my having approved Sugar Order No. 4 on your behalf, and through the authority you had vested upon me. It has become clear that the same was not in keeping with your administration's desired direction for the sugar industry. I take accountability and responsibility for its consequences,” said Sebastian in his resignation letter dated August 11, 2022.
Cruz-Angeles announced on Wednesday, August 10, that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., chairman of the Sugar Regulatory Board, has disapproved the proposed importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.
She said the issuance of Sugar Order 4 for the said purpose was not authorized by Marcos.
This also prompted Senator Imee Marcos, sister of the President, to call for an immediate reshuffle of highest officials in the DA, as she called the issuance of the order “unauthorized and fraudulent.”
In a statement, she said the issuance of the order justified that the importation of sugar “is ultimate proof that thick-faced smugglers are lording it over at the Department of Agriculture.”
In his resignation letter, Sebastian said: “Thus, I humbly offer to be relieved of my delegated authorities and the assignments and responsibilities in my capacity as chief of staff and undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture.”
“The trust and confidence from your office have been moving forces behind my steadfast service, and I can not further risk that these should falter,” he added.
He thanked the President for the trust and assured him that his support for Marcos’ leadership will remain intact.
At present, the prevailing price of sugar is at P90 per kilo, but some markets are selling it at P120 to P150 per kilo.
The low supply of sugar in the country was due to the onslaught of Typhoon Odette in the country in December 2021 that destroyed sugarcane crops in the affected areas. (LMY)