FIFTEENTH CONGRESS ——— =n a
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

276
House Bill No. __~

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

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
fich 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 harvest. 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 seeks to deciare 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.

.

RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ

Zi

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS Si ana
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES —)
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

House Bill No. 2276

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

AN ACT
DECLARING AS AGAINST PUBLIC POLICY THE RELEASE OR
INTRODUCTION OF GENETICALLY-MODIFIED 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 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Genetically
Modified Organisms Restriction Act.”

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 govermmental resources and means towards providing
safety and regulatory measures towards the promotion of clean and healthful
living within a balanced ecology.

SEC. 3. Field Resources 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
(P1,000,000.00).

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.