Title
Restitution for Sugar Producers' Losses
Law
Republic Act No. 7202
Decision Date
Feb 29, 1992
Republic Act No. 7202 aims to compensate sugar producers in the Philippines for losses suffered from 1974-1985, using recovered funds and assets determined to be stolen or illegally acquired, while also condoning interest, penalties, and surcharges on loans granted by government-owned financial institutions during the specified period.
A

Source and Use of Funds for Compensation

  • Amounts recovered by government through the Presidential Commission on Good Government or any other agency linked to stolen or illegally acquired sugar industry assets shall be used for compensation.
  • Compensation applies to sugar producers from Crop Year 1974-1975 through Crop Year 1984-1985.
  • Compensation is distributed on a pro rata basis among qualified sugar producers.

Loan Relief Measures for Sugar Producers

  • Government banks (Philippine National Bank, Republic Planters Bank, Development Bank of the Philippines, and others) must extend benefits to sugar producers for loans incurred from Crop Year 1974-1975 to 1984-1985.
  • Benefits include:
    • Condonation of interest exceeding 12% per annum.
    • Waiver of all penalties and surcharges.
  • Recomputed loans shall be amortized over thirteen (13) years with a three-year grace period on principal.
  • Interest on principal set at 12% per annum, and interest on outstanding balance applies as originally agreed.

Coverage and Exclusions of Loan Benefits

  • Applies even to loans fully or partially paid or restructured with government banks.
  • Benefits are not available to sugar producers with pending sequestration or ill-gotten wealth cases.
  • Recoveries for such disputed accounts must be held in escrow until final resolution.

Coverage of Accounts in Banks under Liquidation or Receivership

  • Accounts related to Crop Years 1974-1985 held in banks under liquidation or receivership are covered by benefits.

Refinancing Support by Central Bank

  • The Central Bank shall provide refinancing to affected banks under restructuring with terms similar to or better than those mandated for sugar producers.

Audit and Certification by Commission on Audit

  • The Commission on Audit is tasked to audit and certify the restructuring packages and computations conducted by the affected banks.

Severability Clause

  • If any provision is found unconstitutional or invalid, other provisions remain effective and enforceable.

Implementation Rules

  • The Central Bank is required to promulgate necessary implementing rules and regulations within sixty (60) days from the law's effectivity.

Effect on Conflicting Laws

  • All laws, acts, executive orders, and circulars inconsistent with this Act are repealed or modified as necessary.

Effectivity

  • The law takes effect upon publication in two newspapers of general circulation.

The Act comprehensively addresses restitution for sugar producers harmed due to government agency actions, regulates loan adjustments and refinancing, and sets clear procedures for implementation and legal compliance.


Analyze Cases Smarter, Faster
Jur helps you analyze cases smarter to comprehend faster, building context before diving into full texts. AI-powered analysis, always verify critical details.