Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri recently revealed plans to call for an investigation into declining “mill gate” sugar prices, similar to the request made last week by Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez before the House of Representatives.

Zubiri revealed suspicions of the ongoing smuggling of high fructose corn syrup, which he vowed to end.

The senator said he would also consult the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to survey the current situation.

According to the Benitez resolution, the price of sugar, as of November 5, dropped by 26 percent to P1,190 for a 50-kilogram bag. He noted, a 50-kilogram bag cost P1,618 in the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the SRA noted wholesale prices of sugar also declined by 21 percent to P1,500 for a 50-kilogram bag of raw sugar./DGB, WDJ