The United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) welcomed the issuance of the Writ of Preliminary Injunction enjoining the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) to cease and desist from implementing Sugar Order No. 3 which covers the importation of 200,000 metric tons of sugar intended for industrial users.
In a 6-page decision, Executive Judge Reginald Fuentebella of the Regional Trial Court Branch 73 in Sagay City said “status quo” must be maintained until the case is terminated, unless earlier lifted or upon orders of the court.
UNIFED President Manuel Lamata said this is a “victory” on their part and thanked the courts for seeing their side of the argument.
“This decision just affirms that the industry was right and SRA was wrong,” Lamata said.
UNIFED Director Joseph Edgar Sarrosa, also welcomed the court’s decision and thanked those who supported their cause. Sarrosa filed the case against the SRA in behalf of the Rural Sugar Planters Association Inc., which is a member association of UNIFED.
“We are not against importation per se but we have been pushing for proper consultation and a calibrated importation program which is beneficial to all and not just for a particular sector,” Sarrosa said.
UNIFED made a strong stand against the sugar order because it lacked consultation and was “ill-timed.” News of the SO 3 led to a huge drop of sugar prices, prompting the sugar group to file a temporary restraining order against it, Sarrosa said.*