Statement of Senator JV Ejercito on proposals to further liberalize the sugar industry
June 28, 2023
Yesterday, various groups of sugar producers appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who concurrently serves as Secretary of Agriculture, to reject proposals to liberalize the sugar industry and widen the importation of the said agricultural product. The said proposal was intended to soften the impact of new taxes on food and beverages that contain sugar.
I believe that we should take caution in rushing this proposal. Further consultations and dialogues need to take place to address the deluge of complaints from the sugar industry. We must first study all possible implications of this proposal and ensure a win-win solution for all stakeholders.
Moreover, we have yet to see the full implementation of the Sugarcane Industry Development Act and Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, both of which I principally sponsored during my first term in the Senate. These laws were intended to protect the sugar planters and promote the growth of our local sugar industry. In fact, we have filed amendments to the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act, aware of new and emerging forms of economic sabotage within the agricultural sector.
I personally think that there is no better time for different sectors to work together in strengthening our sugar industry and our agricultural sector at large. The fact that President Marcos himself has taken on the country’s agricultural portfolio speaks of this administration’s unwavering commitment to our farmers and producers. Rest assured that I am with all of you in realizing our shared vision for the agricultural sector.
