MARCH 20, 2016

NR # 4145

Solon seeks ban of products containing GMOs in food and agriculture

A lawmaker today vowed a no-let-up campaign to ban genetically modified
organisms (GMOs) in the country despite the recent government-issuance of a new set of
guidelines on GMOs.
Rep. Fernando Ka Pando L. Hicap (Party-list, Anakpawis) said the approval of
the new set of rules on the propagation and sale of GMOs only made him more resolute
and determined to push for the approval of his bill prohibiting the use of products
containing GMOs on food and agriculture.
Hicap said several studies have shown the harmful effects of genetically modified
(GM) crops like the Bt (Basillus thuringionsis) corn on the health of farmers such as
unusual high incidence of skin diseases, allergies, blood dyscrasias, infertility and
seizures.
Aside from these health risks, the GM corn farming contaminates traditional and
open-pollinated corn varieties, Hicap explained.
In House Bill 5699, Hicap said GMO crop proponents have always invoked
adequate food production or the fight against poverty, hunger and malnutrition as the
ultimate goals for the introduction of such technology.
Yet, is it a solution? Filipino farmers and scientists across the country assert that
GMO in Philippine agriculture is not a solution but is in fact a serious problem, Hicap
explained.
As stated in the bill, it shall be the policy of the State to protect and advance the
right of the people to a safe and poison-free agriculture, health and livelihood security, and
a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
The measure further states the State shall follow the precautionary principle in
relation to the field testing of genetically-engineered crops and the processing and
distribution of seeds, crops and food products consisting of, containing or derived from
GMOs so as to protect the people, the countrys agriculture and environment for the sake
of present and future generations.
The possible harmful effects of genetically modified crops and food on human
health and environment are irreversible. Thus, the burden of proof as to the safe use of
GMOs must be on the proponents of genetic engineering in agriculture, Hicap said.
The proposal prohibits the release, laboratory and field-testing, processing, sale and

similar acts, of crops and food products consisting of, containing or derived from GMOs.
But the said prohibition is not applicable to studies on crops and products
containing GMOs by the independent panel of scientists to be selected and supervised by
the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines (NCBP) and Food and Drugs
Administration (FDA) together with concerned non-government and peoples
organizations.
The bill likewise directs the NCBP, in coordination with the Department of
Agriculture (DA), FDA and NGOs involved in monitoring GMO crops and products to
determine existing GMO products at its various levels under laboratory testing, pilot
testing and multiple location testing.
The bill provides that if the said GMO crops and products are already into
commercial distribution in the Philippines prior to the effectivity of this Act, the
concerned agencies shall issue a list of said products to the public, make a precautionary
risk assessment of the same and come out with recommendations on the proper disposition
of such products.
The subsequent sale, processing, laboratory and field testing, release and similar
acts, of such products in the list shall be prohibited indefinitely until such time that said
products have been declared free from GMOs.
The bill creates a monitoring committee composed of the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI), DA, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Environment and
Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Bureau of
Customs (BOC), NGOs and Pos to closely monitor the sale, processing of products,
derived from genetically engineered organisms. The monitoring team shall recommend for
disposition any product found to be containing genetically engineered organisms.
The penalty of a fine of P100,000 to P1 million and jail time of five years to 15
years shall be imposed on any person or persons violating the provisions of this Act.
The bill is pending at the Committee on Agriculture and Food chaired by Rep. Mark
Llandro L. Mendoza (4th District, Batangas). (30) mvip