CA ruling vs GMOs may impact food security – DA

MANILA, Philippines — The decision of the Court of Appeal (CA) against the propagation of Bt talong and golden rice would have “significant” implications on the country’s food security, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“The government’s legal team, led by the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), is exploring legal remedies in relation to the subject CA order, which could have significant implications for the country’s food security,” the DA said.

Pending the insights from the OSG, the DA opted to refrain from commenting and providing further details regarding the ruling of the appellate court.

The CA recently granted a writ of kalikasan to the Magsasaka at Siyentipiko para sa Pag-unlad Agrikultura, Greenpeace Southeast Asia-Philippines and other environmental groups, citing potential risks of the two genetically modified crops to the environment and public health.

A writ of kalikasan is a legal remedy that safeguards people from environmental hazards that threaten life, health or property across two or more municipalities.

The CA issued a cease and desist order and directed the University of the Philippines-Los Baños and the Philippine Rice Research Institute to stop the commercial propagation of golden rice and Bt eggplant.

Bruce Tolentino, a member of the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, earlier said the CA decision is a “step backward for the Philippines.”

Tolentino said the appellate court’s decision would have “serious negative impact” on the country’s efforts to attain nutrition security and improve domestic crops.

He said the judiciary should not overstep its authority on genetically modified organisms or GMOs as regulations on biotechnology must be left to scientists and pertinent regulators.

“In the same way as scientists ought not to venture into matters of law, then the judiciary should respect scientists and their work,” Tolentino, former DA undersecretary and deputy director-general of the International Rice Research Institute, said.

“Unfortunately, the (CA’s) decision was based on fear of science and misplaced populism,” he added.

Greenpeace earlier welcomed the CA’s decision, noting it was a “monumental win” for Filipinos, including farmers, who opposed GMOs.