THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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Introduced by SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Eating is an acknowledged Filipino passion. 
The entire archipelago 
boasts of regional delicacies showcasing the locale’s richness and diversity in 
terms of food preparation, variety and taste. 
Thus, there is a need to ensure that the food that is prepared on 
everybody’s table is fit for human consumption. This brings us to the current 
dispute and controversy regarding genetically-modified organisms (GMOs) 
commonly associated with corn and other staple food. GMOs are genetically 
engineered organisms that contain genes borrowed from other organisms and 
introduced into the food supply. These GMOs are primarily used to aid in the 
resistance of crops against pests and other predatory insects thus, ensuring a 
rich harvest. This, however, entails the field introduction or release of GMOs in 
order to test their resilience and resistance in combating natural predators and 
insects that threaten expected bountiful harvests. 
Such release into the 
environment, however, might pose several threats or danger to the ecology. 
There is therefore a need to investigate or evaluate its effects on the ecology. 
This measure then seeks to declare the practice of releasing or 
introducing said GMOs as against public policy in order to give the government 
time to re-examine and evaluate its process with the end in view of ensuring a 
healthy consuming public within the context of a balanced ecology. 
Immediate passage of this bill is thus earnestly recommended. 


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THIRTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
First Regular Session 
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SENATE 
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S.B. No. 
Introduced by SENATOR JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA 
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AN ACT DECLARING AS AGAINST PUBLIC POLICY THE 
ORGANISMS INTO THE ENVIRONMENT AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled. 
SECTION I. 
Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Genetically- 
RELEASE OR INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY-MODIFIED 
Modified Organisms Restriction Act of 2004." 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the 
State to protect and advance the right of the people to continued health and to a 
balanced ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Pursuant to 
the mandate of the Constitution, the state hereby further declares it a policy to 
utilize all governmental resources and means towards providing safety and 
regulatory measures towards the promotion of clean and healthful living within a 
balanced ecology. 
SEC. 3. Field Release of Genetically-Modified Organisms. - The field 
release or introduction of any genetically modified organisms into the 
environment is hereby declared illegal and against public policy. Any person, 
entity or organization found to be actually releasing or causing the release of 
genetically modified organisms into the environment is hereby penalized with 
imprisonment of not less than twelve (12) years and one day but not more than 
twenty (20) years and to pay a fine of one million pesos (Pl,OOO,OOO.OO). 


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The President and Secretary, in the case of a corporation, as well as the 
members of the Board of Directors or Trustees of any public corporation, 
institution, and any other private association or corporation who gave their 
approval for the foregoing activity shall likewise be subject to the penalties stated 
in the preceding paragraph. 
SEC. 4. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days 
following the completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) 
newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,