SCUTTLEBUTT

Claire lacks clarity

The Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), the nation’s largest labor organization, has sharply criticized Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, accusing her of spreading misinformation by claiming that regional wage boards are actively reviewing minimum wage rates.

The TUCP contended that, despite President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Labor Day directive for a timely wage review to address inflation, the regional wage boards have delivered minimal increases that are not justified.

Adjusted for inflation, national wages are worth less today than 36 years ago, highlighting a persistent failure in the wage-setting system.

The TUCP asserted that the President has the authority to address this crisis under Section 26, Article VI of the Constitution, which allows him to certify bills as urgent to tackle emergencies.

The labor group argued the combination of rising transport fares, unprecedented self-rated poverty, and severe involuntary hunger — exceeding levels not seen since the pandemic — constituted a national emergency warranting immediate action, which Castro appears to have a disconnect with.

Contrary to implications that legislative wage hikes undermine the regional wage boards established by Republic Act 6727, the TUCP clarified that the law does not preclude Congress from enacting wage increases, nor would the proposed P200 hike dismantle the existing system.

Legislative progress reflects years of deliberations in the 19th Congress, with the Senate approving a P100 daily wage increase on third reading and the House passing a P200 increase — authored by the TUCP Partylist — second reading.

However, with only six session days remaining in June, the House must pass the bill on third reading, reconcile it with the Senate’s version, ratify a bicameral report, and secure presidential approval.

The TUCP emphasized that extensive discussions involving workers, economists, academics, civil society, and business groups have debunked claims of catastrophic inflation, unemployment, and business closures, leaving the dire plight of workers as the central, unrefuted issue. TDT

Sugar watershed

Amid global tariff sanctions and fluctuating international prices, the sugar quota allocated to the United States remains a critical factor for the local sugar industry, supported by a stable domestic supply.

According to Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis Azcona, a communication with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) clarified the export volume for 2025.

The local measurement stood at 66,000 metric tons, while the USDA reported 66,235 metric tons — a discrepancy attributed to differing measurement systems between the US and the metric-based local standards.

Consequently, the export volume was 66,235 metric tons under a voluntary program.

Azcona explained that the export process adheres to Sugar Order 2, which mandates that exporters or importers purchase locally produced sugar before receiving an equivalent allocation.

This performance-based system benefits local farmers while ensuring an adequate domestic sugar reserve.

The SRA is awaiting updates from exporters regarding their shipping schedules and logistics for the 66,235 metric tons.

This year’s shipment has been planned earlier than last year’s to prevent delays that previously resulted in penalties due to quality concerns.

Azcona emphasized that exporting freshly milled sugar during peak production months enhances quality and ensures compliance with US standards.

This export initiative falls under Sugar Order 5, titled “Export of Farmers’ Share Raw Sugar in Fulfillment of the US Sugar Quota Allocation for the Year 2025 to Avail of the Privilege to Participate in Future Import Programs,” which prioritizes the export of fresh milled sugar to maximize benefits for local producers while meeting international obligations.