Manila: Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) chief Pablo Luis Azcona welcomed a congressional inquiry into the sugar industry Monday but accused some stakeholders of sabotaging government efforts to address low prices. The inquiry is a response to a resolution from Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez following concerns from planters about low millgate prices.

According to Philippine News Agency, the House-Senate inquiry is scheduled for Jan. 23 in Negros Occidental. Azcona expressed that the investigation aims to document the factors contributing to the low sugar prices. He stated that the SRA and the Department of Agriculture have conducted dialogues with traders and planters affected by natural disasters and declining prices, but some stakeholders remain resistant to acknowledging the broader reality.

Azcona criticized certain industry stakeholders for hindering government efforts while simultaneously demanding intervention. He emphasized the frustration caused by those who request government sugar purchases and then swiftly criticize officials. Azcona also addressed claims by activist Wennie Sancho, dismissing concerns that import liberalization would devastate the industry. He described such statements as misinformation that exacerbates instability, affirming that the price decline results from various factors and rejecting accusations of government-sanctioned over-importation.