Rep. Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) expressed optimism Friday that the House will approve the Sugarcane Act this year.

Benitez, who  is anticipating its approval by the Committee on Agriculture on its scheduled deliberations, said, “I see smooth sailing of the Sugarcane Act”.

Benitez who had refiled the bill immediately after the 16th Congress opened July last year, said, “This year, we will see a clear time table to approve the bill.”

The proposed bill is geared towards revitalizing and strengthening the sugarcane industry through diversification, development and financing programs to cushion, if not counter, the possible destabilization effects of the tariff lifting on imported sugar entering the Philippines by 2015.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon had earlier described the industry as fragmented and called for unity among the local sugar industry leaders.

Asked about it, however, Benitez replied “I don’t think so.”

The industry is being subjected to external factors, he said, adding that  it is not just a situation locally in Negros.

Benitez, who attended the PAGCOR turnover of 16 classrooms to the EB Magalona High School last Friday, said that if you look at the overall picture, imported sugar is much cheaper than locally-produced sugar.

Because of that, there is big pressure on the local industry to be competitive against them, he said.*GPB

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