Senator Grace Poe, during her statement in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, advised that the P20 from the sale of every kilo of imported sugar should be used in supporting the sugar industry. 

She emphasized the huge difference between the sugar in the world market and in local. The international prices amounted to P22 per kilo while the cheapest retail price was at P70 per kilo.

“For every 300,000 metric tons we import, we’ll have P3 billion to give to our farmers. Kung 150,000 tons lang, that’s still P1.5 billion extra that we can give to the sugar industry to subsidize them and at the same time our consumers would stand to save P28 per kilo.” Poe reiterated.

During the hearing, the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization Inc. (Philfoodex) added that the landing cost of imported sugar is at P35 but the cost of sugar in Thailand and Vietnam is less than P30 per kilo. 

The industry, according to the Philfoodex, can still compete as long as the P50 per kilo does not exceed. 

Meanwhile, Poe said bringing down the retail price of sugar from P100.00 with P70.00 available in limited outlets to P55.00 will give the consumers a reprieve.

“Sa merkado ba nag-P22 ang asukal? Patungan man natin ‘yan para ibigay ang pera as subsidy sa sugar industry, hindi pa rin lugi ang consumers so bakit hindi natin isipin ang tamang polisiya para mabalanse ‘yan,” she asked.

The lawmaker urged that the government should balance the timing of importation and the harvest season. 

“I really think we can support the industry by adding a little bit of tariff and that tariff will not even disadvantage consumers because it will still come out cheaper,” she said.

Poe added that she supports the sugar industry, but reiterated to advocate for the consumers who are clearly getting short ends amid the bargain. 

Photo Credit: Facebook/sengracepoe