A LABOR group is opposing the move to sell high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) to the domestic market.
Wennie Sancho, secretary-general of the General Alliance of Workers Association (Gawa), said the importation and sale of HFCS caused the price of domestic sugar to plummet down.
He also hit the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) for the alleged inconsistencies in their decision about the controversial HFCS.
“First, they said that the 9,196 metric tons of HFCS is up for destruction and now it might be up for sale to be used as an additive in the process of producing potable grade alcohol. This move of SRA, if not restrained, would be a dangerous precedent that might bring irreparable damage to the sugar industry particularly on the agrarian reform beneficiaries and marginal farmers. SRA would be doing more harm than good,” Sancho said.
Sancho said they were somewhat relieved with the assurance of SRA recently that there will be no conversion of “D” or world market sugar to “B” or domestic sugar.
Sugar Board Director Roland Beltran said HFCS was reclassified but not for commercial use but to be destroyed in accordance with its disposal plan, he said.
However, Pepsi Cola asked the SRA board to reconsider its order and allow its sale to Asian Alcohol instead.
“It's is very clear that SRA board reneged on to its commitment,” he said.