A sour taste

The guy at the Sugar Regulatory Board who issued and signed the order to import 300,000 tons of sugar has resigned. He took responsibility for issuing what turned out to be an illegal order, on behalf of the President without the latter’s knowledge or permission. At least he had the delicadeza to admit his fault, apologize and resign.

But that shouldn’t be the end of the matter. What were the workings and maneuverings behind the scenes that led him to issue the order? Is there really a shortage of sugar or, as a senator has indicated, are tons of previously imported sugar hidden in warehouses to create an artificial shortage to justify further importation?

And why the rush to import more sugar? That’s a rhetorical question, of course; a P50 or P100 per bag “incentive” is certainly very, very good reason to import pa more. This sugar anomaly really leaves a bad, sour taste in the mouth. – Matthew Santos III, Makati City