Thorough review of Anti-GMO ordinance needed, says Zayco
BACOLOD CITY – Governor Isidro P. Zayco said that Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance 007 that bans the entry of genetically modified organism (GMO) products needs a thorough review.
He said its full implementation has a huge financial requirement of P213 million as estimated by Dr. Reynante Decena, Provincial Veterinarian.
Zayco said that the province has no funds for it as even the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of the province amounting to P1.3 billion could not be touched for the Anti-GMO implementation.
Zayco will ask Atty. Jose Ma. Valencia, Provincial Legal officer, for his legal opinion whether a moratorium is possible while the council is reviewing the Ordinance.
He said there are so many things that need to be considered in the full implementation of the Ordinance.
There are claims that the Dextrose and Insulin are GMO based.
"I cannot stop those using it, thus I will consult Atty. Valencia about the possible moratorium," he said.
The Ad Hoc Committee came up with a recommendation for a one year moratorium on non-living GMO and a total ban on living GMO.
But this recommendation was subjected to a review by the council which will compose itself into a Committee of the whole such as SP Committees on Agriculture, Health, Food Security, Environment and Laws and Ordinances.
Moreover, during the conduct of the public hearing on this Ordinance two years ago, those who attended were in favor the Ordinance. Nobody who opposed the said ordinance was in attendance.
Vice Governor Dino Yulo, III admitted that only those who favor the Ordinance came.
But a notice was sent to the stakeholders.
"Their absence means that they waived their right to be heard," he said.
The passage of the Ordinance was in line with the province's advocacy as the "Organic bowl of Asia."
However, this bill is marred with so much opposition as the Ordinance seems to be a bane than a boon to the livestock industry.