JV Ejercito pushes reforms to sweeten the sugar industry, protect farmers from losses and over-importation
May 07, 2026
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed a bill aimed at fixing long-standing problems in the sugar industry, particularly over-importation, weak program implementation, and declining incomes of farmers and workers.
Senate Bill No. 2114 seeks to strengthen the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), rationalize the use of industry funds, and introduce safeguards to protect local producers from unfair competition.
“Ang industriya ng asukal sa Pilipinas ay mahalagang haligi po ng ating agrikultura dahil ito ang pinagkukunan ng kabuhayan ng humigit-kumulang sa 88,000 sugarcane farmers,” Ejercito said.
“Mahalaga na aksyunan natin ang problema sa industriya ng asukal sa lalong madaling panahon dahil malaki po ang ambag nito sa food security, renewable energy, at pag-unlad ng ating mga kanayunan,” he added.
Despite its importance, the lawmaker from San Juan pointed out that the industry continues to struggle with systemic problems that have limited its growth and competitiveness.
“The sugar industry continues to face long-standing challenges such as over-importation, low farm productivity, outdated milling system, limited access to financing, weak infrastructure, and increasing global competition,” he said.
*SIDA Law poor implementation*
Ejercito also flagged the poor and inefficient implementation of the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA), noting that available funds have not been fully utilized to benefit farmers and stakeholders.
“Reported utilization rates ranging only from approximately 10% to 18%, reflecting serious gaps in absorptive capacity, planning, and program execution.”
Republic Act No. 10659, or the SIDA Law of 2015, was enacted to promote the growth and competitiveness of the Philippine sugar industry through productivity enhancement, infrastructure development, human resource development, and research initiatives.
Ejercito raised the continued instability in sugar supply and pricing, largely attributed to importation policies that may be contributing to oversupply.
“Such oversupply conditions have reportedly resulted in foregone revenues amounting to approximately P11.8 billion for sugar alone… thereby significantly impacting farmer incomes and industry sustainability.”
Ejercito also recently filed Resolution No. 380, seeking a Senate inquiry into the implementation of the SIDA Law to identify gaps, strengthen support for farmers and stakeholders, and ensure the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of the sugar industry.
In April, he also filed Resolution No. 369, calling for an investigation into the alleged over-importation of sugar and its impact on the local industry, with the aim of protecting farmers’ livelihoods and ensuring fair market conditions.
*‘Inclusive governance structure’*
Under the SBN 2114, Ejercito said it also proposes a more “responsive and inclusive governance structure” within the SRA to ensure that small farmers and key stakeholders have a stronger voice in decision-making.
The measure also aims to ensure that public funds are effectively used to improve productivity, modernize the industry, and support infrastructure development.
Ejercito is also pushing for the institutionalization of trade remedies and safeguards to protect the local industry while remaining compliant with international commitments.
“Ultimately, this bill aims to build a more competitive, sustainable, and inclusive sugar industry that not only drives economic growth but also uplifts the lives of those who depend on it.”
