Senator Risa Hontiveros on Friday, April 28, reiterated her stand that a sugar order is needed before any imports of the commodity can be released to the consuming public.
“From then to now, I stand with our stakeholders from the sugar sector: A sugar order is a requirement under the law. There can be no imports if there are no sugar orders,” Hontiveros said. “We have been duped again. Not only did illegal supplies of sugar slip through our ports, but the government led the public to believe that it would halt and investigate any contraband,” she lamented.
“The President did not sign the assailed sugar order used to cover-up the smuggling operation by Usec. Panganiban and the three importers. But it appears to be very clear to Undersecretary Panganiban and to all ‘obedient’ officials from Malacanang, SRA and the Bureau of Customs that the emperor wants something and his wishes should not be foiled,” she said.