MADRIGAL TO GOVERNMENT AND SUGAR CARTEL - STOP SUGAR EXPORT NOW !

My visit to two principal markets today is to highlight a point in my campaign platform - the need to safeguard the productivity and income of farmers and fisherfolk.

I have been criticized for not knowing the price of galunggong. But beyond the market price of galunggong, I came to know more importantly that the price of galunggong and other basic commodities has increased more than the income of every Filipino. Mas mabilis ang pagtaas ng presyo ng galunggong, gulay at asukal kumpara sa sweldo ng ating mga kababayan!

In my visit today I noticed the high price and shortage of sugar. The shortage of sugar while it can be attributed to the incoming El Nino episode is largely due to the export oriented policy of the administration in cahoots with a cartel.

This government is pushing for importation to stabilize the supply and price in the market but at the same is exporting about 158,906 MT of sugar to the US under a quota system and to take advantage of skyrocketing global prices brought about by the reported reduced sugar production in India and Brazil.

To stop this manipulation, I now ask that the government immediately suspend its sugar exportation program to the United States to ensure the food security of our people. I am warning as well the sugar cartels to stop their blatant manipulation of the current market prices which has averaged P60.00 since last month.

This effort will ensure the country' supply and food security during El Nino.