By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri recently called on members of the sugar industry to support “sugar champions,” specifically, those who “oppose the planned liberalization of sugar importation.”

“Our sugar champions have helped us when we were facing high fructose corn syrup and the sugar-sweetened beverage tax battles,” he said. “I will not be alone in fighting for the many challenges our industry faces—and expected to face—in the future.”

“This is the perfect time to collectively show our force and send a message that the industry is united and we will not be cowed by any further threats because we have allies in both houses of Congress,” he added. “I hope we can put our differences aside and think of the future of our sugar industry and, in particular, the millions of farmers, producers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, sugar and mill workers, and other partners who are dependent on the industry.”

Meanwhile, the senator lauded Tatak Kalamay, a group comprised of sugar industry stakeholders, who also called for endorsing candidates who support the domestic sugar industry.

“We have been noticed as an industry because of the massive mobilization Tatak Kalamay has done in many areas and I, personally, would like to thank the organizers,” Zubiri said.

Last week, they claimed they had been the subject of online abuse due to their politics.

According to a statement issued by the group, they have been the subject of “downright offensive” posts, which they say “has no place in this democratic exercise.”/DGB, WDJ