IN the interest of finding an equitable resolution to the HFCS importation issue involving Sugar Order No. 3, the Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines has unilaterally withdrawn its Petition for Declaration of Nullity With Prayer for Preliminary Injunction it filed at the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City on March 3, 2017.
“This decision is in accordance with the company’s commitment to secure a win-win solution that will further strengthen our relationship with all sugar industry stakeholders, whom we have always considered our partners—a relationship that, we are certain, will contribute to the sustained robustness of the local sugar industry as a whole,” Coca-Cola FEMSA said in a statement.
“We believe that engaging in dialogue is key to finding a win-win solution to address the needs of all sectors. We hope that by continuously working with the government, the local sugar industry, and other stakeholders, this represents not only the organization’s long-standing endeavor to take part in Philippine nation-building but, more importantly, our desire to continue fulfilling our role as a key partner in the country’s economic development,” said Juan Lorenzo Tañada, Coca-Cola FEMSA Philippines Legal and Corporate Affairs director.
During the Senate inquiry held on April 18, the Coca-Cola System expressed its concern that the misunderstanding on the HFCS importation issue has affected the Company’s relationship with the sugar industry—but believes that viable solutions can be amicably reached in an atmosphere of respect and openness.
“The sugar industry has always been an integral partner of Coca-Cola. We have been operating in the Philippines for 105 years and we hope to continue to work with and support the local sugar industry in the next century or more” said lawyer Adel Tamano, Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications of Coca-Cola Philippines. “We look forward to the immediate convening of the Sugar National Council—to be composed of sugar industry stakeholders and sugar-associated industries—which will ensure that policies and issues relating to sugar are properly addressed” he said.
“Coca-Cola remains committed to working with the government and with the stakeholders of the local sugar industry for the betterment of the communities we serve,” he said.
