By CESAR JOLITO III
Citing an estimated P12.8 billion in foregone revenues, a Senate inquiry has been proposed to investigate the alleged over-importation of sugar and its impact on the country’s local sugar industry, following the filing of Senate Resolution No. 369.
The resolution directs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into concerns raised by industry stakeholders over excessive sugar imports and possible mismanagement within the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).
Senator JV Ejercito emphasized the need to protect the livelihood of Filipino farmers and workers, particularly in major sugar-producing regions such as Negros, amid fears that unregulated or poorly timed importation is harming the domestic market.
Data cited in the resolution showed that as of March 2026, raw sugar stocks reached 668,405 metric tons — about 13.37 million bags — an increase of 99,534 metric tons compared to the same period last year.
Refined sugar stocks also rose significantly to 506,804 metric tons, marking a 38.77 percent increase from the previous year.
These figures, the resolution noted, suggest a growing supply surplus that may be linked to import activities, raising concerns about depressed farmgate prices and reduced income for local farmers and mill workers.
The measure also pointed out that excessive or ill-timed imports could lead to oversupply in the domestic market, adversely affecting producers already vulnerable to price volatility.
Ejercito’s resolution calls for a comprehensive review of existing policies governing sugar importation, particularly on the timing and volume of imports, to ensure responsiveness to current market conditions and long-term sustainability.
If approved, the Senate probe aims to establish safeguards that will protect local producers, stabilize market prices, and promote a more balanced and sustainable sugar policy for the country.
Earlier, Ejercito met separately with leaders of major industry groups, including the United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines and the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations Inc., to gather insights and recommendations as he pushes for amendments to the law aimed at addressing long-standing issues in the sector.
He also held initial discussions with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Vice Governor Jose Benito Alonso regarding the challenges faced by the sugar industry in Negros Occidental, the country’s top sugar-producing province.
Among the concerns raised by Ejercito was the continued importation of agricultural commodities such as sugar, rice and onions — even during local harvest seasons.
The senator also questioned current policies, noting that the Philippines was once a major exporter of these products./CJ, WDJ