By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SAP) maintains its openness to engage Coca-Cola FEMSA and other industrial users for as long as they remain transparent and will be earnest in their desire to continue having a harmonious relationship with the sugar industry.
In a letter sent out yesterday, the multi-sectoral group said they welcome the withdrawal of the case seeking to nullify Sugar Order No. 3 (SO3) by Coca-Cola FEMSA. The move was touted by the group as a positive step and a confidence-building measure from the beverage company.
“There is nothing impossible and we hope that this will start a fresh round of talks now that legal impediments are out of the way,” the group said. “This though will only work if we bring something concrete to the table and hopefully on a long term basis.”
It was reported earlier that Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Inc. was withdrawing the civil suit it filed in court seeking to nullify SO3, which imposes regulatory measures on the importation of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
The company was roundly criticized for allegedly preferring the alternative sweetener to locally produced sugar in its beverages.
On May 16, during the conduct of a congressional inquiry, Atty. Marc Cox of Coca-Cola told the lawmakers the company will move “toward a sustainable partnership” with the local sugar industry.
Coca-Cola lodged the suit at the Regional Trial Court Branch 98 in Quezon City on March 3.
“Let me take this opportunity to laud SRA and the BoC for standing firm in the implementation of SO3,” said Atty. Dino Yulo, SAP spokesperson.
Meanwhile, Save the Sugar Industry Movement (SAVE-SIM) Secretary-general Wennie Sancho said for now they will observe a “cooling off” period which means they will temporarily stop agitating for boycott of Coke products until they make good to their promise to respect SO3.
SAVE-SIM is among the many sugar advocates in the province actively calling for the boycott of all Coca-Cola products./WDJ