Manila, Feb. 11 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) will look into increasing tariffs on artificial sugars to protect the local sugar industry.

In a recent interview, DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said a tariff tweak should help increase the demand for local sugar.

"Five percent lang siya ngayon. So, I really don't know kung saan tayo papunta (where will be our direction). But it should not be, it should not be too high," he said on the sidelines of the induction of the new officers of the Economic Journalists Association.

He cited the DA's decision following a brief discussion with Finance Secretary Frederick Go.

"It was a decision by SRA (Sugar Regulatory Administration) and DA to pursue the calculation. Nakausap ko si Sec...