By CESAR JOLITO III
A labor federation representing sugar industry workers has raised concerns over transparency in the approval of a major sugar importation policy, calling on the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to release the official minutes of the board meeting that authorized Sugar Order No. 8.
The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry of the Philippines (Nacusip-TUCP) criticized the SRA for denying its request to disclose the records of the meeting that approved the importation of 424,000 metric tons (MT) of refined sugar — significantly higher than the 150,000 MT reportedly proposed by industry stakeholders.
According to Nacusip-TUCP, the volume approved under the order contributed to a sharp decline in millgate prices, which the group says has negatively affected sugar farmers and workers across producing regions.
In a letter dated March 20, the SRA said the requested documents could not be released, citing provisions under Government-Owned and Controlled Corporation governance rules that classify certain board deliberations as confidential and internal in nature.
SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona said the minutes fall under “non-public” internal discussions, referencing existing guidelines on corporate governance for state agencies.
However, Nacusip-TUCP President Roland de la Cruz disputed this position, arguing that the approval of a formal sugar policy affecting the entire industry should be subject to public scrutiny.
The group said withholding the documents raises questions on accountability and governance, especially given the reported impact on sugar prices and farm incomes.
The labor group urged the SRA to release the full board minutes related to Sugar Order No. 8 and called on policymakers, particularly legislators in sugar-producing regions, to support their appeal for transparency.
Nacusip-TUCP also reiterated its demand for accountability measures, including a review of the decision-making process behind the importation volume, as tensions continue within the sugar sector over pricing and supply management policies./CJ, WDJ