-
Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian resigned following the issuance of a sugar importation order unauthorized by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
-
Sebastian said he takes “accountability and responsibility” for the consequences of his actions
-
Sebastian signed a sugar importation order for 300,000 metric tons without Marcos’ express approval
Agriculture Undersecretary Leocadio Sebastian has resigned following the issuance of a sugar importation order unauthorized by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles on Friday confirmed the resignation of Sebastian. Malacanang, also on Friday, launched an investigation on why Sugar Regulatory Administration Sugar Order No. 4 was signed by Sebastian on behalf of Marcos, when the latter did not approve the measure.
Sebastian was undersecretary for operations and chief of staff to the Agriculture secretary, a post currently held by Marcos.
In a one-page letter dated Aug. 11, Sebastian said: “I sincerely offer my apologies, Your Excellency, for my having approved Sugar Order no. 4 on your behalf, and through the authority you have vested upon me. It has become clear that the same was not in keeping with your administration’s desired direction for the sugar industry.”
He added, “I take accountability and responsibility for its consequences.”
Sugar Order No. 4 would have allowed the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar.
According to the order, the total volume of sugar that the country may import should not be more than 300,000 metric tons. As of July 31, it said the actual production of raw sugar is 1,792,102 metric tons and actual production of refined sugar 737,254, respectively 16.18% and 2.84% less than last year’s output, making importation necessary.
“Sugar retailers and businesses producing sugar containing products have complained to the Department of Agriculture, Sugar Regulatory Administration and even to media on the unavailability of sugar in the market,” the order said.
The order aimed to “specifically address the current sugar supply situation and its increasing prices.”
As of July 31, the prevailing wholesale prices of sugar have gone up to P3,250 per LKg for raw and P4,400 per LKg for refined, according to the order. One LKg is equivalent to 50 kgs.
Prevailing retail prices in public wet markets of P90 per kilogram for raw and P90 per kilogram for refined, both much higher than their respective suggested retail prices. The higher prices were caused in part by the tightening supply, it added.
