Malacañang said Sugar Order No 4, which directs the country to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar, is “illegal.”
In a press conference this Thursday, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles announced that the “unauthorized” signing of the document requiring the importation of sugar is being investigated.
“This resolution is illegal. The chairman of the Sugar Regulatory Board is President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. As such chairman, he sets the date of any meetings and convening of the Sugar Regulatory Board and its agenda. No such meeting was authorized by the President nor such a resolution was likewise authorized,” according to Cruz-Angeles.
“An investigation is ongoing to determine whether any acts that would cause the President to lose trust and confidence in his officials can be found or if there is malice or negligence involved. In such a case, if such findings are made, then the only determination left will be how many heads will roll,” she added.
The official emphasized that Marcos did not approve the meeting of the Sugar Regulatory Board regarding the importation of sugar.
Order to import 300K metric tons of sugar illegal – Malacañang
“He did not approve the convening. You can only convene the board with the ascent, explicit ascent of the President, and he didn’t make such an agreement,” explained Cruz-Angeles.
According to the official, it appears in the document that Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian signed.
“He was not authorized to sign such resolution ’cause the President did not authorize the importation. Importations are sensitive matter particularly with regard to agricultural imports. Sugar is one such importation which we take great care with. It is a balancing act,” said Cruz-Angeles said.
She said the importation process should be carefully studied, “to protect both the consumer against the rising prices of basic commodities while ensuring at the same time that we do not destroy the local industry.”
Although it is being investigated, Cruz-Angeles said that so far no preventive suspension has been imposed on the officers being investigated.
If the officials’ explanation is not acceptable, they will be punished accordingly.
The press secretary also announced that Executive Secretary Attorney Victor Rodriguez issued an order to develop an importation plan for sugar.
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