FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
Second Regular Session 
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S E N A T E  
S.B.No. 3x31 
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Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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EXPLANATORY NOTE 
One of the controversies surrounding the use of Genetically Modified Organisms 
(GMOs) is the alleged limitation of modern science to fully comprehend all the potential 
negative ramifications of genetic manipulation. The negative effects of genetic 
manipulation not only concern the issue of consumer protection but also that of economic 
protection to farmers. In the United States, there was a finding that polices of biotech 
companies such as unreasonable seed contracts, intrusion into farm operations, have 
infringed on basic farmer rights. Critics have also raised the issue of cross-pollination 
between GMOs and of conventionally-bred crop plants. 
The use of GMOs may result to various injuries, including injury to the user 
himself, to his economic rights, and to the environment. 
This bill seeks to assign liability to biotech companies for injuries arising from the 
release of GMOs to the commercial market and to the environment thereby securing the 
full protection of users, and other affected parties. 
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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) 
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OF THE PHILIPPINES 
1 
Second Regular Session 
1 
S E N A T E  
S.B.No. 3231 
Introduced by Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago 
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AN ACT PROVIDING PROTECTIONS FOR FARMERS THAT MAY BE HARMED 
ECONOMICALLY BY GENETICALLY ENGINEERED SEEDS, PLANTS, OR 
ANIMALS BY ASSIGNING LIABILITY FOR INJURY CAUSED BY 
GENETICALLY ENGINEERED ORGANISMS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Genetically 
Engineered Organism Liability Act.” 
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in 
accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature. Hence, users of GMOs and other parties 
affected thereby must be adequately protected under the law such that biotech companies 
responsible for the release of such GMOs to the commercial market and to the 
environment be held liable for any injury arising from use and release of such GMO. 
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the term “biotech 
company” means a person - 
(1) engaged in the business of genetically engineering an organism; or 
(2) obtaining the patent rights to such an organism for the purposes of commercial 
exploitation of that organism 
SECTION 4. Liability 
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Cause of Action - A biotech company is liable to any party injured by 
the release of a genetically engineered organism into the environment 
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if that injury results from that genetic engineering. The prevailing 
plaintiff in an action under this subsection may recover reasonable 
attorney’s fees and other litigation expenses as a part of the costs. 
Indemnity - For the purposes of subsection (a), the term “injury” 
includes any liability o€ a person who uses that organism in accordance 
with applicable law, if that liability arises from that use. 
Not waivable - The liability created by subsection (a) may not be 
waived or otherwise avoided by contract. 
SECT101 5. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof, is held invalid 
or unconstitutional, the remainder of the Act or the provision not otherwise affected shall 
remain valid and subsisting. 
SECTION 6. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, 
or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended 
accordingly. 
SECTION 7. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
Ictr 
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