Ex-Negros governor seeks urgent passage of SIDA amendments

By Glazyl M. Jopson

QUEZON CITY — Former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael “Lito” Coscolluela, representing the Confederation of Sugarcane Producers’ Associations (CONFED), said they are running out of time to push for amendments to the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA).

Coscolluela formally submitted the proposed revised SIDA law during a Committee on Agriculture and Food hearing here on Wednesday, despite the very short time frame to pursue the proposed legislation to address the problems of the sugar industry.

In a media interview prior to the committee hearing, Coscolluela said they are pushing for the revision of the law to promote the viability and sustainability of the sugar industry amid prevailing challenges.

According to Coscolluela, Congress may shift its focus to other priorities after June, including budget deliberations in the latter half of the year. “We hope they would consider,” he said.

The group submitted a proposed measure revising Republic Act No. 10659, or SIDA of 2015, which promotes and supports the competitiveness and sustainability of the sugarcane industry while strengthening the institutional capacity of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

The proposed measure would be known as the “Revised Sugarcane Industry Development Act of 2026.”

He emphasized that the proposed amendments seek to strengthen the role, functions and authority of the SRA to better respond to industry concerns.

Among the highlights of the proposed revisions are additional powers for the SRA to monitor and regulate the entry of sugar substitutes, refined sugar and molasses.

The proposal also includes increasing the annual SIDA budget from PHP 2 billion to PHP 5 billion, which includes allocation for the Sugarcane Industry Development Program, with 20% earmarked for the sugarcane mill improvement program.

Coscolluela said they are also proposing a more defined organizational structure within the SRA to enhance its capacity to implement various programs. This includes establishing separate, professionally managed and accountable program units within the agency.

He said there are many aspects of the law that need to be revised to strengthen programs for the sugar industry.

Apart from legislative amendments, the group is also advocating for a government financing buying program.

While there have been temporary improvements in sugar prices, he noted that prices have been gradually declining.

“We know the situation and we know the data. We have too much refined and raw sugar,” he said, adding that the approval of their proposal could help stabilize sugar prices.

They are likewise pushing for the suspension of all sugar imports until at least the end of the year, although this may conflict with Sugar Order Nos. 2 and 3 under the replenishment program.

Sugar Order No. 3 covers the export of raw sugar to fulfill the 2026 U.S. sugar quota allocation, while Sugar Order No. 2 involves the voluntary purchase of locally produced raw sugar for crop year 2025–2026, giving participants priority in future sugar import or export programs.

The Philippine sugar industry, centered largely in Negros Occidental, has been grappling with declining millgate prices, rising production costs and increasing competition from imported sugar and artificial sweeteners. Negros Occidental accounts for more than half of the country’s total sugar production.

Despite these challenges, Coscolluela said they remain hopeful that their proposals will be seriously considered.

“We’re running out of time. We have to have something to pass on by June,” he stressed.