on Wednesday, December 21, 2016
Gilbert P. Bayoran

The Sugar Alliance of the Philippines got the support yesterday of Rep. Alfredo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3 rd District) and Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon in opposing the use by the soft drink companies of genetically modified high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), which is banned in the United States and other countries.

albee TWO BIRTHDAYS. Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon, who turns 81 today, blows out candles on a cake at the coliseum in Victorias City, where Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez celebrated his birthday yesterday with his daughter Bettina, wife Nikki Lopez and son Javier (l-r).* ( Andy Alvarez photo )

Benitez said there is now a proposed “soda tax” bill in Congress, which he said he will continue to support.

“It will teach them (beverage makers) a lesson on what they are doing, while at the same time, protect the industry of Negros”, said Benitez, who marked his 50th birthday last night with his constituents and some local officials at the coliseum in Victorias City.

Sugar industry leaders have blamed the drop in the prices of sugar to the huge volume of HFCS being imported by industrial users, particularly the softdrink companies

They added that softdrink companies have been violating the ban on GMO products in Negros Occidental, as their products contain genetically modified HFCS syrup.

Two congressmen of the 17th Congress have re-filed a proposal to impose taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages to generate additional revenues for the government as well as promote public health and wellness.

House Bill 292 seeks to impose an excise tax of P10 per liter of volume capacity on sugar-sweetened beverages.

Marañon, who attended the birthday party of Benitez, with all the mayors of the 3rd district, maintained that GMO products are not allowed in Nergros Occidental, citing an ordinance, approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan several years ago.

While he admitted that there are some instances when GMO products may be able to enter the province, Marañon said those who violate the ordinance will be apprehended.

Enrique Rojas, president of the National Federation of Sugarcane Planters, said the imported sweeteners displace the demand for local sugar.

Francis de la Rama, national president of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations, said the price of sugar is at the P1,500 per LKg level, and if nothing is done, it will drop further and kill the sugarcane industry.

“Coca Cola and Pepsi are supposed to be our partners as far as the sugar industry is concerned. However Coke admitted that they are using 80 percent HFCS and only 20 percent cane sugar,” de la Rama said.

Benitez, who met with sugar industry leaders to hear their concerns, said “I think they should file a case against softdrink companies”.

Asked if he will conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation, in connection with the complaints of sugar industry leaders, Benitez, who authored the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, said there is no need for it, adding “kasonalang”.

Let the court decide on what to do with them, he said.

Rojas said HFCS has been banned in the US and other countries because of health issues and harmful side effects.*GPB