- BERT BAYORAN
United Sugar Producers Federation (UNIFED) president Manuel Lamata said they were “shocked and disgusted” with the “zarzuela” made by the Sugar Regulatory Board, in issuing Sugar Order Number 4, which supposedly directs the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said an investigation is ongoing over the “unauthorized” signing of the document directing the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar, on top of what had already been imported in May this year.
“This resolution is illegal,” Angeles said in a press conference.
As chairman of the Sugar Regulatory Board, Angeles said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did not convene the sugar board meeting, nor authorize such a resolution.
“An investigation is ongoing to determine whether any act that would cause the President to lose trust and confidence in his officials can be found or if there is malice or negligence involved. In such a case, if such findings are made, then the only determination left will be how many heads will roll,” she added.
Lamata said “they made us believe that this went through proper consultation and had the imprimatur of the President”.
“We are thankful that the order was revoked as we are against importation, especially of raw sugar, now that milling operations have started,” he said. Marcos had rejected the proposal to import more sugar./GB
