By CESAR JOLITO III

The United Sugar Producers Federation (Unifed) has strongly criticized the Sugar Council, accusing the group of sowing division within the sugar industry and pursuing what it described as politically motivated attacks against the current administration and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) leadership.

Unifed Chairman Manuel Lamata labeled the Sugar Council as “adversarial,” alleging that the group is pushing for changes in the Sugar Board leadership in an effort to install allies sympathetic to their interests.

Lamata claimed that the personalities behind the council are driven by “personal agenda” and political alliances that place them in constant opposition to the administration.

He said the group’s actions have undermined unity within the sugar sector at a time when industry cooperation is needed.

The Unifed chief also defended Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu-Laurel, Jr. over calls for the Department of Agriculture to reaffirm earlier assurances that sugar importation will not be pursued until the end of 2026 unless necessary to stabilize prices.

“It is insulting to the agriculture secretary to repeatedly ask for reaffirmation of a public pronouncement already made by a Cabinet official,” Lamata said, adding that such demands reflect what he described as “bad faith” on the part of the Sugar Council.

He further questioned the group’s credibility for allegedly seeking reassurances from the DA while at the same time calling for the removal of the agriculture secretary and members of the Sugar Board.

Lamata also accused the council of creating unnecessary conflict within the sugar industry, saying the continued infighting has weakened the sector’s standing and credibility.

“The divide created by the Sugar Council is one reason why the industry is not being taken seriously,” Lamata said, stressing that industry stakeholders should instead work in a unified manner to address challenges facing the sugar sector./CJ, WDJ