BACOLOD CITY: The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) tagged as malicious the claims of oversupply by some sugar producers that supposedly led to the decrease in millgate prices. SRA Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona issued a statement on Monday in response to the presumption of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, Confederation of Sugar Producers Association Inc., and Panay Federation of Sugarcane Farmers Inc., together with the National Congress of Unions in the Sugar Industry, that the decision of the national government not to import sugar until after post-harvest was to prevent a drop in prices. According to Philippines News Agency, Azcona and Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. jointly announced on November 10 that the Philippines will not pursue importation until the middle of next year amid the stable stock levels of raw and refined sugar. Azcona clarified that the announcement was intended to maintain transparency and keep stakeholders informed, dismissing the claims of the Sugar Council as "propagating lies through the media to cause separation and instability within the industry." Azcona emphasized that the SRA has no role in the marketing and pricing of sugar, a fact known to all sugar stakeholders. He criticized the Sugar Council for not attending stakeholder meetings, where plans and stock levels are discussed, and for spreading misinformation instead. Azcona noted that as of November 10, 2024, sugar production is down by 61 percent, but proper buffer supplies have been prepared. Contrary to claims of oversupply, current stock levels are 35 to 37 percent below those recorded last year.