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[av_heading heading=’Coke backing out from legal battle vs SO No. 3′ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY MAE SINGUAY
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Wednesday, May 17, 2017
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MANILA – Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines, Inc. was withdrawing the civil suit it filed in court seeking to nullify Sugar Order (SO) No. 3, which imposes regulatory measures on the importation of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS).
The company — highly criticized for allegedly preferring the alternative sweetener to locally produced sugar in its beverages — made the announcement on Tuesday during a congressional inquiry into HFCS.
Atty. Marc Cox of Coca-Cola told the lawmakers the company will move “toward a sustainable partnership” with the local sugar industry.
Coca-Cola lodged the suit at the Regional Trial Court Branch 98 in Quezon City on March 3.
It also prayed for a temporary restraining order against SO No. 3, but the court denied this.
SO No. 3 mandates consignees to seek clearance from the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) before their HFCS and/or chemically pure fructose imports may be released.
The consignees must be SRA-registered international traders, too.
Cox said on Tuesday they will file a motion to withdraw within the day.
The House of Representatives committee on agriculture and food led the inquiry.
Rep. Stephen Paduano (Abang Lingkod party-list), one of those who authored a resolution seeking the hearing, and the committee advised Coca-Cola to submit a copy of its motion to withdraw as soon as possible.
“This is a big achievement,” said Rep. Greg Gasataya (Lone District, Bacolod City).
Due to the legal battle, SO No. 3 barely served its purpose for over three months since its issuance, Gasataya said.
Coca-Cola’s withdrawal will give the SRA the chance to strictly enforce the order, he added.
Sugar Alliance of the Philippines spokesperson Dino Yulo considers Coca-Cola’s announcement a “partial victory.” At least there was no more threat to the validity of SO No. 3, he said.
Gasataya, Estrellita Suansing (Nueva Ecija, 1st District) and Delph Gan Lee (AGRI party-list) filed House resolution numbers 754, 821 and 917, respectively, seeking the congressional inquiry into HFCS.
The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City approved resolutions supporting these House resolutions. The committee advised them to submit copies of their resolutions.
Also present at the hearing were councilors Em Ang, Sonya Verdeflor and Bartolome Orola and their presiding officer, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran./PN
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