San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes (FILE PHOTO)
MANILA, Philippines — The beverage industry should have its separate sugar importation orders so as not to affect the price in the local market, San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes said in a statement on Saturday.
Robes is the chair of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and the Committee on Agriculture and Food.
She noted that imported refined sugar for the beverage industry accounts for more than 50 percent of the country’s consumption.
“Since the beverage industry is consuming more sugar, it is also contributing to the consolidated demand for the country, hence the high cost of sugar in the retail market. Under the proposed scheme, the SRA will be mandated to issue separate importation orders for the beverage industry and for local consumers so that these will not affect inflation,” Robes said, referring to the Sugar Regulatory Administration.
“We have to ensure that the country has enough supply of sugar in the market, but this must protect sugar planters, millers, and consumers as well to prevent any price spikes in the market. We also have to ensure that the measure should prevent smuggling in the process,” she added.
According to her, Congress can make a law allowing sugar import reclassification.
Robes made the proposal after three leading makers of carbonated drinks said they are facing a shortage of premium refined sugar.
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