By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

While in town over the weekend to attend the Panaad sa Negros Festival, Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara voiced his support for Sugar Order No. 3, implemented by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) in order to regulate the importation of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
He noted, while he did not attend the recent Senate hearing on the issue, the sugar industry needed to be protected.
“Whatever the recommendations are of the agriculture committee, I will support it,” Angara stated.
When asked about the possibility of employing tariffs against companies who use HFCS, the senator said he would support such a measure.
Earlier, Senate Committee on Agriculture chairperson, Senator Cynthia Villar, said she is pushing for a settlement of the issues hounding the industry, with the committee agreeing to the creation of a sugar industry consultative committee.
Beverage companies attending the hearing also agreed to recognize Sugar Order No. 3./WDJ