• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental Fifth District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo has questioned the failure of the Independent Planters of Biscom Inc. (IPOBI) to conduct an election for board of directors during the organization’s general assembly on July 4, raising concerns over governance and accountability amid mounting challenges facing the sugar industry.
Yulo, who attended the IPOBI assembly in Binalbagan, expressed disappointment after learning that no election was held despite the inclusion of the election of directors in the published agenda.
The lawmaker said the IPOBI has allegedly failed to conduct board of directors elections for three consecutive years despite provisions in the organization’s by-laws requiring regular elections.
Yulo said he is prepared to initiate a petition that will be submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission, seeking an investigation into the matter and urging the regulatory body to ensure compliance with the organization’s governing rules.
During the assembly, Yulo also questioned the organization’s position on several pressing issues affecting sugar planters, particularly its alleged lack of public opposition to the continued entry of imported sugar.
He cited the growing difficulties confronting sugar farmers, especially small planters, including the effects of prolonged drought, declining farmgate sugar prices, rising fuel and fertilizer costs, increasing agricultural production expenses, and the spread of the red stripe soft scale insect, which has damaged sugarcane farms in several areas.
Yulo further criticized what he described as the organization’s emphasis on raffle prizes, including household appliances, instead of addressing governance concerns and the urgent issues confronting the sugar industry.
He urged IPOBI members attending the assembly to support the planned petition should the organization continue to defer the conduct of elections.
As of this time, IPOBI has yet to issue an official response to the concerns raised by Yulo.
Meanwhile, Binalbagan Mayor Manuel Aranda issued a statement reaffirming the municipal government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the welfare of local farmers and sugar planters.
Aranda expressed full support for Yulo’s call for accountability within IPOBI and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to address the growing crisis affecting the sugar sector. | GPB
