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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Marcos allows importation of 150,000 metric tons of sugar

Marcos allows importation of 150,000 metric tons of sugar

Published Sep 14, 2022 06:42 pm

This time it's authorized and legal.

President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. (Photo courtesy of the Office of the President)

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has approved the importation of sugar not exceeding 150,000 metric tons (MT) amid the shortage of supply and surging prices of the commodity.

After consultations and consideration of all inputs from stakeholders, the importation, which became the subject of controversy, was finally authorized by Marcos through Sugar Order No. 2 dated Sept. 13.

According to the Sugar Order, the importation, which shall not exceed 150,000 MT, will be broken down to two allocations.

It was disclosed that 75,000 MT will be intended for industrial users while the remaining half will be for consumers.

The importation was approved due to "prevailing circumstances" such as the shortage of supply and rising prices of sugar in the country.

"In view of prevailing circumstances when sugar production and supply are usually stable characterized by the start of the milling season for Crop Year 2022-2023, the SRA, in the exercise of its regulatory authority on a 'pro hac vice' or 'for this one particular occasion' basis, and taking into consideration its mandate of classifying imported sugar according to its appropriate classification, deems it necessary to provide import program," the order read.

The importation is intended for crop year 2022 to 2023.

The imported sugar must arrive in the Philippines not later than Nov. 15 this year.

Traders who are allowed to participate in the importation are all duly registered SRA International Sugar Trader, in good standing for crop years 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 with renewed registration for crop year 2022-2023.

The President's approval came a month after an unauthorized and "illegal" Sugar Order was released, allowing the importation of 300,000 MT of sugar to address the country's sugar problem.

The controversy became the first major issue under Marcos administration. It led to the resignation of several SRA and Agriculture executives and a Senate investigation.

On Aug. 15, a few days after the discovery of the unauthorized Sugar Order, Marcos floated his intention to instead import 150,000 MT of sugar.

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