The plan to import 150,000 metric tons of sugar to augment the country’s sugar requirement is still under study, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Deputy presidential spokesman Gary Olivar said President Arroyo will carefully review the proposal once trade and agriculture officials bring it before her.

“Binubuo pa ang proposal at hindi pa nahaharap kay Pangulo (The proposal is still being crafted and it has yet to be presented to the President),” Olivar told reporters.

He said the proposal is being crafted by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agriculture with the “active participation” of the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA).

Olivar said Mrs. Arroyo has to weigh the decision since it would have a big effect on the country’s economic landscape.

He said balancing the interest of the sugar industry and the consuming public is a “difficult issue” that must be carefully addressed.

“That’s why we have to elect candidates who can decide well on certain issues like this,” the Palace official said.

The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics projected that the prevailing price of refined sugar stood at P52 a kilo and may reach up to PP60 a kilo.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap earlier said the suggested retail price ranging from P45 to P48 a kilo is set to be implemented just before the arrival of the 150,000 metric tons of imported sugar from May to August.

Malacañang directed Yap to ensure that there is reasonable price for sugar as it also asked the public not to engage in panic buying because it would only worsen the market situation.