By CESAR JOLITO III
A proposed measure seeking sweeping reforms in the country’s sugar industry is set for deliberation at the House committee on agriculture before Congress adjourns in June.
Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez confirmed that House Bill No. 9088, also known as the TUBO Act of 2026, has been included in the committee agenda as lawmakers push for stronger safeguards and modernization measures for the sugar sector.
The proposed legislation seeks to amend Republic Act No. 10659 or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act (SIDA) of 2015.
The new bill was crafted following mounting concerns from stakeholders over declining mill gate prices and the impact of unregulated sugar importation.
Benitez said industry players have raised alarm over excessive imports that allegedly caused oversupply in the market, resulting in lower sugar prices and threatening the livelihood of thousands of farmers, workers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries.
Under the proposed TUBO Act — which stands for “Tunay na Ugnayan, Buhay, at Oportunidad sa Asukal” — importation policies would shift to a data-driven system.
Sugar imports would only be allowed when domestic supply falls below critical levels or if local production is deemed insufficient to meet national demand.
The bill also proposes an 18-month moratorium on commercial sugar imports, except during verified supply shortages, as part of efforts to stabilize the local industry.
To help producers cope with financial difficulties, the measure includes provisions for price support mechanisms, emergency cash aid, farm input subsidies, and temporary loan relief programs targeted at small planters and agrarian reform beneficiaries.
The proposed legislation also seeks to strengthen the powers of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) by expanding its authority to regulate not only raw and refined sugar but also sugar substitutes such as high-fructose corn syrup and other sweeteners affecting domestic consumption.
In a bid to promote broader representation, the bill aims to restructure the SRA board by allocating seats for planters, millers, refiners, farm workers, small farmers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, and industrial end-users.
The TUBO Act likewise institutionalizes regular consultations and mandates the publication of industry data and policy decisions to improve transparency and accountability in the sector.
Among its modernization measures, the proposal prioritizes climate adaptation programs, farm-to-market infrastructure, research and development, mechanization, precision farming, and support for value-added sugar products.
The measure also includes stricter border monitoring and anti-smuggling provisions intended to ensure accurate reporting of sugar production and inventory.
In his explanatory note, the lawmaker said the bill aims to establish a “responsive, data-driven, and inclusive framework” that would secure the future of the sugar industry, which remains a major economic driver in rural communities nationwide./CJ, WDJ