Sugar Leader Criticizes SRA Head Amid Dispute

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By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY—National Federation of Sugar Planters (NFSP) President Enrique “Nene” Rojas criticized Sugar Regulatory Administrator (SRA) Pablo Luis Azcona on Thursday, accusing him of being “carried away by his emotions.”

Rojas made the remark in response to Azcona’s challenge for him to “get his facts straight” after Rojas labeled the SRA’s recent “no importation” announcement as misleading.

Azcona, who took offense at Rojas’ statement, said, “I take offense at the claim that our no importation announcement until the end of harvest was ‘misleading.’ I hope the NFSP can substantiate their accusations, as such claims reflect a warped and distorted mindset.”

The dispute comes amid declining sugar prices, fueling a heated exchange between Azcona and Rojas.

“As a government official, he should not be onion-skinned,” Rojas said in a press statement released Thursday.

Rojas denied making personal attacks against Azcona, saying, “Unlike what he is doing in personally attacking me and casting aspersions on my leadership of the NFSP, I never stated anything attacking him personally.”

“I was already immersed in the sugar industry long before Paul Azcona was born,” he added.

Rojas, who has served as NFSP president for 24 years after 28 years as its first vice president and executive officer, emphasized the federation’s reliance on data and independent conclusions.

“To insinuate that I am easily swayed or, worse, that I am somebody’s lackey, is grossly disrespectful to my person and the NFSP,” Rojas said.

He reiterated that the NFSP has always adhered to professionalism in its dealings and public statements, focusing solely on the issues.

“I suggest the SRA administrator also stick to the issues we raised and enlighten the sugar farmers on what is presently happening to the sugar industry,” Rojas said.

Earlier, expressed offense at Rojas’ claim that the “no importation” announcement by the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel was misleading.

“I take offense at the claim that our no importation announcement until the end of harvest was ‘misleading.’ I hope the NFSP can substantiate their accusations, as such claims reflect a warped and distorted mindset,” Azcona said.

Azcona said Rojas initially supported the no-importation policy but later retracted his statement after alleged persuasion by others.

“It’s ironic—I even sent a letter thanking NFSP for their support. Unlike Mr. Rojas, I will not retract my position because I believe it was made in good faith,” Azcona said.

Azcona criticized Rojas for not studying the data before making accusations, saying, “I just hope he gets his facts straight so he doesn’t come out laughable.”

He also expressed disappointment with Rojas, whom he described as a friend, for allegedly being swayed by others’ influence.

“I feel sorry for Mr. Rojas and his planter-members because this shows how easily their leader can be influenced, particularly by an individual with a clouded perception due to past grievances,” Azcona said.