Aspiring vice president Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan did not mince his words when he criticized the decision of the government to import sugar amid milling season, saying "this is not right."

Addressing the crowd during his visit in Balayan, Batangas with Vice President Leni Robredo and senatorial candidates on Thursday, Feb. 10, Pangilinan vowed to end the "band-aid solution" of importation of agricultural goods that harms the livelihood of local farmers and fishermen if elected.

The vice presidential aspirant lamented that "there are people benefiting from the importation scheme at the expense of the Filipino people."

"Malaki ang pangingisda na industriya. Malaki rin ang industriya ng agrikultura. Ngayon, mag-iimport na naman daw ng asukal. Tatamaan ang ating industriya ng sugar industry dito sa ating bansa (Our fishing and agriculture indsutries are huge. But now, they are saying we will import sugar again. The sugar industry in our country will take the hit)," Pangilinan said.

"Hindi tama na lagi na lang ini-import at binibigyan ng pinagkakakitaan yung mga magsasaka sa ibang bansa habang ang magsasaka natin ang naghihirap. Hindi tama 'yan. Babaguhin natin sa tulong ninyo (It is not right that we are always importing and giving foreign farmers sales while our farmers are suffering. This is not right. We will change this with your help)," he added.

On Tuesday, Feb. 8, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said it will allow the importation of 200,000 metric tons of sugar in anticipation of a shortfall caused by the typhoon Odette.

Pangilinan strongly criticized the decision describing it as a factor contributing to the continuing spike in food prices.

"May kumikita diyan at obviously at the expense ng taumbayan (There are those who are benefitting from it and, obviously, it is at the expense of the Filipino people),” Pangilinan said, citing the decision of the DA to import fish even if local fishermen say that fish supply in the country is sufficient.

Pangilinan said this band-aid solution by the DA should stop, otherwise the Filipino people will continue to suffer.

The senator pointed out that the decision is ill-timed as it is currently the milling season for sugar in the country. He said it will only compete with the local produce and must be pushed not during the milling season.

READ: From ‘Sana all’ to ‘Dapat all’: Pangilinan rallies voters to elect leaders with ability to act on their demands, aspirations