Speaker Dy backs stronger safeguards for sugar farmers

MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Friday expressed support for stronger protection for sugarcane farmers as the House brought discussions on the proposed TUBO Act directly to farmers and industry stakeholders during LegisHear in Victorias City, Negros Occidental.

Speaking at the press briefing following the LegisHear townhall program, Dy said the consultation helps lawmakers understand the concerns of communities and strengthen proposed measures based on their experiences.

“The proposed bill is a very important measure to protect our sugarcane farmers here in Negros,” Dy said, adding that the measure could also benefit farmers in other parts of the country.

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The speaker was referring to House Bill No. 9088, or the proposed Tunay na Ugnayan, Buhay, at Oportunidad sa Asukal (TUBO) Act, authored by Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. and Assistant Majority Leader Javier Miguel “Javi” Benitez.

Senior Deputy Speaker and South Cotabato 2nd District Rep. Ferdinand “Dinand” Hernandez said Benitez’s presentation helped fellow lawmakers better understand the industry’s concerns and the proposed interventions.

“LegisHear is not only about telling you what we are doing. Congressman Javi also explained the bill he filed in Congress, and we ourselves learned from his presentation,” said Hernandez

“Rest assured that the Speaker and the rest of us will look into this and help Javi fight for sugar farmers and other stakeholders,” he added.

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Dy stressed that public participation is essential to identifying where Congress must focus its attention.

“That is why we are here today — because we want to make sure that no one is left behind when proposed bills or measures are being discussed, so that everyone has a chance to be heard,” the speaker said.

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Benitez had earlier presented the TUBO Act as a response to import shocks, falling farm prices and gaps in government support for the sugar industry. He said around 88,000 Filipinos farm sugarcane, with 84 percent cultivating less than five hectares, while about 700,000 people work in the industry and five to six million dependents rely on it.

“Congress could have held this discussion in Manila. We held it here, near the mill and the cane fields, because this is where people know sugar best,” Benitez said.

READ: DSWD releases P410.3M to RSSI-hit sugarcane farmers in Negros

The bill proposes five major reforms: increased industry funding, safeguards governing sugar imports, a price-support mechanism, stronger accountability of sugar mills, and greater transparency in government decisions. Under the measure, annual industry funding would rise from P2 billion to P5 billion beginning in 2027, with 30 percent earmarked for farm-to-mill roads and irrigation and 20 percent for climate adaptation and resilience.

The bill also proposes an 18-month pause on commercial sugar imports upon effectivity, subject to an exception for verified shortages. After the pause, imports would be governed by supply data and prohibited during the first three months of the milling season. HB 9088 would likewise authorize government intervention when verified millgate prices fall below the certified cost of production. Government could purchase sugar at a support price and hold it as reserve, with small farmers and agrarian reform beneficiaries given priority.

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Other provisions include random and unannounced audits of mill laboratories, public reporting of industry funds, and twice-yearly consultations with farmers, workers, agrarian reform beneficiaries, millers and refiners.