JV Ejercito files resolution probing sugar over-importation, seeks protection for local farmers
April 16, 2026
Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has filed a resolution directing the Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform to conduct an inquiry into the alleged over-importation of sugar and its impact on the local industry, as concerns mount over declining farmgate prices and losses among Filipino farmers.
In Senate Resolution No. 369, Ejercito warned that excessive or poorly timed importation has led to falling farmgate prices and reduced income for farmers and mill workers.
“Nakakaalarma na ang labis at hindi tamang timing ng importation dahil naaapektuhan nito ang ating mga magsasaka at manggagawa sa asukal. Kaya dapat itong agarang tutukan at ayusin na,” Ejercito said.
He stressed the need to revisit existing policies governing sugar importation, particularly on timing and volume, to ensure they respond to current challenges and support long-term sustainability of the industry.
“It is necessary to protect and promote the welfare of local sugar farmers, who are among the most vulnerable sectors in the agricultural industry, by safeguarding them from the adverse effects of market volatility, declining farmgate prices, and unregulated or excessive sugar importation,” the resolution read.
Data cited in the resolution showed a significant increase in sugar supply. As of March 2026, physical sugar stocks reached 668,405 metric tons, higher than the 568,871 metric tons recorded in the same period last year.
Refined sugar supply also rose sharply to 506,804 metric tons, a 38.77% increase from the previous year, raising concerns of oversupply in the domestic market.
The resolution also noted that for Crop Year 2025–2026, estimated foregone revenue from sugar and molasses has already reached P12.8 billion after 25 weeks.
