BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) administrator Hermenegildo Serafica has resigned from his post, while Sugar Board member Aurelio Gerardo “Bodie” Valderrama still awaits the decision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., whether he stays or not, following his appointment by the Chief Executive two weeks ago.
Serafica, Sugar Board Member Atty. Roland Beltran, who represents the millers, and Valderrama, for the planters, were among the signatories of Sugar Order No. 4 that called for the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar, amid scarcity of its supply and high retail prices in the local market.
“We confirm the acceptance of Administrator of the Sugar Regulatory Administration Mr. Hermenegildo Serafica’s resignation, as well as the resignation of Atty. Roland Beltran of the Sugar Regulatory Board,” Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said.
The “immediate” acceptance of their resignation was contained in the two letters dated August 15 and separately sent to Serafica and Beltran. It coincided with mounting calls for their resignations and the start of House inquiry into the SRA’s supposed approval of the importation of 300,000 metric tons of sugar, which President Marcos Jr. nullified.
In a press conference at the Negros Residences in Bacolod City, Valderrama said already sent a letter to the President explaining what happened.
Stressing that the letter is between him and the Chief Executive, Valderrama, who is now the “last man standing at SRA” said he indicated in the final portion of his letter “I am at your disposal. If you think that I should resign, I will resign.”
Marcos appointed Valderrama, former chairman of the Confederation of Sugar Producers Association (CONFED), two weeks ago as a member of the SRA Board. He took his oath before Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo “Albee” Benitez, a close of ally of the Chief Executive and his family.
Valderrama, who was joined by other leaders and members of CONFED, former SRA chiefs Gina Bautista Martin and Rafael Coscolluela, as well as his family in a press conference, clarified that he is not holding on to the position, as he did not seek it.
I am just holding on the position simply because I need to clear my name to the people that have supported me, he pointed out, apparently referring to those nominated for the position as Sugar Board member.
Because of gossips and rumors, Valderrama said some of those who even supported him, have started to doubt his integrity, not knowing the full story.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and some Negros Occidental solons called for the resignation of SRA officials involved in the sugar importation mess, as the Senate and the House Representatives are expected to start separate probes.
In view of the announced rejection of SO 4 and the accusation thrown at the Sugar Board, Valderrama said he asked for a fair and investigation be conducted to establish culpability, if any, among those involved, and to clear the names of those who acted in faithful compliance with their given mandate.
At the same time, he hopes that the President, who acted as concurrent Agriculture secretary, to convene the Sugar Board at the earliest possible time, to decide on measures that can best address the current sugar crisis.*
