By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental 5th district Congressman-elect Emilio Dino Yulo said the importation of 200,000 metric tons of sugar is not a solution to the high retail prices of sugar in the local market.

Yulo’s new statement came amid the controversy surrounding Sugar Order No. 3 (SO3) issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

According to Yulo, the importation of sugar is geared towards bringing its delivery to industrial users.

“Even if it [arrives], it will not reduce prices of sugar in the retail market,” he pointed out.

Previously United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) President Manuel Lamata blamed the greediness of some sugar traders that triggered the high prices of sugar in the market.

Lamata said traders are hoarding sugar to manipulate the market as if there was a shortage.

SRA chief claimed that the sugar supply situation in the Philippines has taken a turn for the worse, as manufacturers are now forced to source the product locally, competing for already limited supplies in the market.

Data from the Department of Agriculture showed that the average retail price of refined sugar stood at P70, washed sugar at P60, and brown sugar at P60.

Yulo also said that the issuance of SO3 was “ill-timed.”

“The importation program, which was challenged by sugar planters’ groups in court, did not start at the right foot,” Yulo added.

He said the importation program should be after the end of the milling season, adding, “It is imperative for a leader to unite the stakeholders.”/DGB, WDJ