MANILA, Jan. 31 -- Stakeholders backed the Sugar Regulatory Administration's (SRA) Sugar Order (SO) No. 6 which sets the guidelines on the importation of certain sugar and sugar confectionery.

The SRA previously deferred the implementation of SO 6 following concerns raised by the Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), particularly on the possible import processing delays, costs of compliance, and the possible increase of prices of beverages and confectionery products, among others.

In a statement Friday, Philippine Sugar Millers' Association, Inc. (PSMA) president Terence Uygongco explained that SO 6 intends to monitor the entry of alternative sweeteners and sweetened products, as well as its effects on the market.

"Sugar Order No....