“We do not want another industry to fall and falter because of the liberalizing imports of these products," Zubiri said.Ang mukha ng sugar farmers ayThe majority leader said some 5 million people in 20 provinces will be directly and indirectly affected by the liberalization.
Instead of deregulating imports, he called on the government to strengthen the implementation of the Republic Act No. 10659, or the Sugarcane Industry Development Act . “Let us fully implement SIDA and support the industry before we talk about liberalizing imports, and then be competitive. But right now is not the time to liberalize importations,” Zubiri said.the proposal, fearing collapse of the industry.the Philippine Sugar Corporation , for not effectively fulfilling its role of boosting the country's sugar industry.