Utlang: "I'm not singling out businesswoman"

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Veterinarian Alice Utlang denied the allegations of a chicken dealer in Carbon Market that she is enforcing laws without sufficient grounds and for personal interest.

In her letter to the City Council, Utlang refuted the claims of a certain Estella Acbayan, proprietor of Nestills’ Fresh Chicken in Carbon Market, who alleged that Utlang is giving orders to her personnel to single out Acbayan’s business.

Utlang allegedly started chasing after Acbayan’s business when the latter stopped hiring the service of Tres Maria Meat Shop and Chicken Dressing Plant owned by a certain Dennis Caminade, who is allegedly connected to Utlang.

“The undersigned never gave unreasonable orders in any way and in any case to DVMF personnel especially on the matter of enforcement of regulations. The apprehension or confiscation of Ms. Acbayan’s commodities should not be interpreted as going after her business because the apprehensions made have legal bases,” Utlang said.

Utlang attached to her letter the confiscation report which showed that Acbayan was not the only dealer apprehended. It showed there were several other dealers who, like Acbayan, violated City Ordinance 2189 or the Revised Meat for Public Consumption Medicine and Fisheries.

Utlang said that since she is the head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) who oversees all its operation, traders might have developed an ill-feeling against her but said this will not shaken her.

“The office received several complaints from the meat inspectors assigned in Carbon that the storage facility of Ms Acabayan did not have proper drainage. It is infested with rats and other pests. The styrofoam was filthy and the personnel were not wearing hairnets as required,” Utlang said.

“The health of the consuming public should not be sacrificed by the interest of one. Ms Acbayan cannot say that she was not properly informed because a regular meeting is conducted with all the meat suppliers. Ms Acbayan never attended in any of these meetings,” she added.

Utlang called Acbayan’s accusations as absurd. She said that DVMF does not confiscate goods without sufficient grounds. Utlang said that her personnel are well-trained who know what they are doing.

Acbayan also accused Utlang of issuing a new rule - that the vehicles to be utilized in transporting meat must be a closed van and must be registered with the DVMF, making it hard for business.

But Utlang said Section 4, paragraph 3 of C.O. 2189 says that “only closed delivery trucks or vans shall be used to carry carcasses intended for market outlets and must not carry people other than delivery assistants not exceeding two in number. Only registered meat delivery vehicles shall be allowed to transport carcasses, offals, viscera.” — (FREEMAN)