September 4, 2015
Sugaronline | http://goo.gl/Cku4Hj
The Sugar Alliance of the Philippines (SAP) defended Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Ma. Regina Martin amid the issues raised by some producers regarding the SRA policies, particularly its “D” sugar to “B” sugar reclassification/conversion program, according to the Philippines’ Sun.Star newspaper.
“We are duty-bound to speak out so that the public may not be misled by the raucous few who seek to advance their own financial interests at the expense of majority of the producers,” the SAP, composed of representatives of sugar planters’ federations and millers association, said in a press statement yesterday.
They added that, “while we respect the right of some ‘producers’ to express their views, we doubt if they are speaking for the majority in the sugarcane industry. We collectively represent 80% of sugar production in the country, and we speak for the overwhelming majority of sugar producers in the country.”
In the “D” to “B” conversion under Sugar Order No. 7, the SRA allocated for crop year 2014/15 5% for “A” or US quota, 90% for “B” or domestic, and 5% “D” or world market.
According to the SAP, this proved beneficial to producers as it resulted in higher prices for sugar notwithstanding world market prices averaging at US$0.13 per pound.
They added that the “D” to “B” reclassification/conversion program ensured that all producers, including those who sold their “D” quedans at the early months of the milling season, will have an equitable share in conversion, depending on their “D” production.
Moreover, the SAP said that “those who speculated and held on to their “D” did so at their own risk.”
SRA did not make any pronouncements at the start of CY 2014/15 that it shall pursue a “D” to “B” reclassification/conversion program, they added.
Furthermore, the SAP said that proposals to modify the “D” to “B” reclassification program to a one-to-one conversion rights to producers with “D” quedans would have diminished or reduced the conversion rights of producers who have sold their “D” quedans.
“These people who advocated the one-to-one conversion are advancing their interests at the expense of the producers and yet they still have the gall to make it appear that they are speaking in behalf of the producers,” the SAP added.
The Sugar Alliance threw their support to Martin, saying that she has done so much for the sugar industry.
“She was at the forefront of efforts by the SAP in convincing DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and eventually President Noynoy Aquino himself to scrap Bureau of Internal Revenue’s move to impose value added tax on raw sugar,” the group added.
The SAP further said: “Administrator Martin has time and time again demonstrated that she has the industry’s back. When she is unjustly maligned, we sugar industry leaders stand by her side.”