Negrense sugar planter Aurelio Gerardo “Bodie” Valderrama Jr., who has been replaced as planters’ representative on the Sugar Regulatory Administration Board, called on everyone to support the new Board of Directors and the president.
“At the onset, I was very clear that I serve at the pleasure of the President. As representative of planters, I have one objective, and that is the best welfare of the stakeholders of the sugar industry. I thank all planters who supported me in this endeavor, and I call on everyone to support the new Board of Directors and the President,” Valderrama told DIGICAST NEGROS on Saturday, August 20.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reconstituted the Sugar Regulatory Board with three new appointees.
He appointed Negrense David John Thaddeus P. Alba as acting administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration, and Pablo Luis S. Azcona, representing sugar planters, and Ma. Mitzi V. Mangwag representing sugar millers, as members of the SRA board.
“I am also pleased that the planters’ representative is from Negros – and someone who is also relentless in fighting for the rights of the planters,” Valderrama said.
“I, in the meantime, will continue to cooperate with the Congress and Senate in their respective investigations in search for truth on the circumstances surrounding the issuance of Sugar Order No. 4,” he said.
Marcos had appointed Valderrama to the Sugar Board early this month but the board came under fire after it issued Sugar Order No. 4 (SO4) allowing the importation of 300,000 MT, which was revoked by the president for being released without his approval.
Valderrama pointed out that prior to the issuance of S04 sugar groups had issued statements in support of the importation of 300,000MT.
Valderrama wished the new SRA Board good luck.*