The long wait for the consolidated final draft of the proposed Sugar Act, that was prepared by four sugar federations, is finally over.

Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) yesterday said he was informed by the four sugar federations that they have consolidated their inputs, and agreed on the final draft, which will be used in filing a bill before the House of Representatives.

Benitez said a copy of the final draft will be given to him Tuesday next week by the Sugar Regulatory Administration.

Benitez said the proposed bill is designed to cushion the impact of the sugar trade liberalization in the country in 2015, when tariffs on imports are lifted, and can enhance and support the Philippine sugar industry.

“I think, we need to be sure that, at the end of the day, the safeguards are there. We should not slip into a situation where even the planters can hardly afford to plant anymore and millers can no longer afford to mill,” he added.

Even after the proposed bill is filed, there is enough room to further amend and refine it, while being deliberated on in Congress, he said.*GPB

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