Manila: Sen. Filipino politician Risa Hontiveros has stated that if President Marcos is committed to supplying sufficient sugar at an affordable rate, he should order the seizure of the illegally imported sugar and blacklist the erring importers, reports Philstar.
Blacklisting erring sugar importers would save the government from frequently dealing with the disposal of illegal shipments, said Hontiveros.
“The government should take immediate steps to confiscate the sugar stocks that are illegally imported in the country by the three importers- All Asian Countertrade, Edison Lee marketing and Sucden Philippines if it is serious about ensuring the supply of affordable sugar in the country,” she said.
The first 20 containers of sugar imported by All Asian have arrived in the country before signing a sugar order, confirmed the Bureau of Customs, she said.
On Tuesday, Marcos approved the sale of the confiscated sugar in Kadiwa centres at P70 per kilo as per the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).
The Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) have been issued orders by the President to coordinate with the BOC and other government agencies to ensure that the sugar has passed the food safety act and other regulations.
