The National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry in the Philippines (NACUSIP) on Wednesday, May 6, thanked Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito for pushing for an overhaul of Philippine sugar industry.
Ejercito has introduced a series of legislative measures aimed at investigating and revitalizing the nation's struggling sugar sector, focusing on alleged importation irregularities and systemic industry support.
Ejercito filed Senate Resolution 369, which directs the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Food and Agrarian Reform to launch an inquiry into the alleged over-importation of sugar.
The resolution seeks to determine the impact of these imports on local producers and farmers.
The primary goals of the investigation include: protecting the livelihoods of local sugar farmers, ensuring fair market conditions for domestic products and promoting a sustainable sugar policy to balance consumer and producer needs.
The senator also introduced Senate Resolution 380 to scrutinize the implementation of Republic Act No. 10659, also known as the "Sugar Industry Development Act of 2015".
This inquiry aims to identify "implementation gaps" that have hindered the law's effectiveness, he said.
By addressing these gaps, Ejercito intends to strengthen support mechanisms for stakeholders and ensure the long-term competitiveness and productivity of the industry.
Beyond inquiries, Ejercito has proposed a structural overhaul through Senate Bill 2114.
This bill seeks to strengthen the sugar industry by: • Expanding the mandate and composition of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA). • Rationalizing the allocation of the Sugar Industry Development Fund. • Institutionalizing systems for trade remedies and climate change adaptation.
Roland C. de la Cruz, NACUSIP national president, in a press statement commended Benitez for having the courage to stand up and file House Bill 9088, the much-needed amendment to the Sugarcane Industry Development Act of 2015 (SIDA) that could spell hope for our struggling industry.
“His actions shine a light on the dark realities that small farmers endure, as we grapple with the devastating impacts of over-importation that have wreaked havoc on our livelihoods. We stand on the edge of ruin while those who profit from these decisions turn a blind eye to our suffering,” de la Cruz said.
Benitez is a beacon of hope in the House of Representatives just as senators Ejercito, Risa Hontiveros and Kiko Pangilinan are in the Senate, he said.
“The crisis in the sugar industry is not just about numbers; it is about our lives, our families, and our futures,” he said.
It is time for the Sugar Regulatory Board and its members to be held responsible for the harm they have caused and the negligence they have shown, de la Cruz said, citing an ongoing congressional inquiry.
NACUSIP calls upon Benitez to remain steadfast in his pursuit of transparency and justice, he said.
“We urge him to lead the charge in uncovering the truth behind the anomalies that led to this crisis,” dela Cruz added.
He also noted that House Bill No. 9088 or the T.U.B.O Act filed by Benitez also proposes restructuring the SRA governing board to make it more representative, adding members from millers, planters, refiners, agrarian reform beneficiaries, workers, and industrial users. This is aligned with Trade Union Congress of the PhilippinesPartylist House Bill No. 8376, which seeks to democratize the SRA Board by institutionalizing seats for workers, farmers, and agrarian reform beneficiaries, he said.
“We thank Congressman Benitez for his courage and commitment to our cause, and we vow to stand with him in the battle for justice”, de la Cruz said.*
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