Beverage company threatening us

Sugar industry leaders:

SUGAR industry leaders said that beverage company Coca-Cola is threatening them over the high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) importation issue.

They said the firm, through its lawyers, sent out letters last week, telling them about its plan to file of charges following their press statements over the use of the company of HFCS, which is allegedly from genetically modified corn, on its softdrink products.

The separate letters, which were addressed to planter federations presidents, are asking them to “cease and desist” from issuing statements to the media, lawmakers, and to the public that falsely imputes the beverage company the use of HFCS. Otherwise, criminal, civil, and administrative cases will be filed.

Manila-based law firm Cruz, Marcelo and Tenefrancia stated that these statements “defame and discredit its client.”

Enrique Rojas, president of National Federation of Sugarcane Planters (NFSP), who also received the said letter, dismissed what he perceived as harassment and bullying from a large multi-national company against Filipino farmers.

“Instead of threatening the sugar industry with criminal, civil, and administrative charges, they should take this opportunity to come clean with its consumers,” Rojas said in a press statement on Wednesday.

Manuel Lamata, president of United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (Unifed), also confirmed receiving the letter from the firm’s lawyers.