By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 98, yesterday, denied the request by Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines for a temporary restraining order (TRO) over Sugar Order No. 3, issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA), which seeks to regulate the entry of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) into the country.
SRA Administrator, Atty. Anna Paner, said she has “mixed reactions” to the denial.
“It’s a good day because the court denied the TRO, which means that Coke was not able to show all the requirements for a TRO,” she said. “But I still maintain that nobody truly wins in a court battle.”
“Personally, I get my strength from all those who believe we are doing the right thing,” she added. “We will be ready on March 20 for the injunction hearing, at which time, Coke and SRA are expected to present their respective witnesses.”
In a message sent by Confederation of Sugar Producers Inc. (Confed) President Francis de la Rama, they expressed their appreciation for the court’s decision, saying it’s a small victory, but a good one.
However, De la Rama said sugar stakeholders should not be complacent and must remain vigilant, noting, “It’s not a joke to be against a multinational.”
Save-Sugar Industry Movement (Save-SIM) lead convenor Wennie Sancho also released a statement, saying it is a victory for the people of the sugar industry and its interests.
“The welfare of the stakeholders prevailed over the profit motive of the capitalists,” Sancho added.
Previously, the SRA issued Sugar Order No. 3, which classifies HFCS as a “Class C” sugar or reserve sugar. Under the classification, HFCS can only be used by beverage and food manufacturing companies whenever there is a shortage of sugar.
Coca-Cola filed a civil case in response last week against Paner, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Piñol, and Customs Commissioner Nicanor Faeldon asking to nullify the order.
Aside from the TRO, the company also filed a writ of preliminary injunction, which is scheduled to be heard on March 20./WDJ