BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY ISNT ALWAYS SAFER1

UP LABS Expression of Dissent over the Supreme Court Ruling on Bt Talong and Nullification of DA AO 08-2002

The UP League of Agricultural Biotechnology Students (UP LABS) is deeply saddened over the recent Supreme
Court (SC) ruling against Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) talong and its respondents (UPLB, UPLBFI, DA-BPI, DA-FPA,
DENR-EMB, ISAAA et. al)7. Three countries have started developing this crop almost at the same time; two of
these countries, India and Philippines, who were expected to commercialize the product first, have been
stopped due to rulings of the Executive and Judiciary branches of their respective governments. On the other
hand, Bangladesh, a fellow developing country, has already approved and has been consuming Bt eggplant since
2014. And, upon its market release, no incidence of harmful effects to the environment and humans were
reported. The approval of the Bt eggplant in Bangladesh was due to the political will and strong support of its
government officials to uplift the socio-economic status of their farmers. The Biosafety Regulatory Framework of
Bangladesh was also referred to the Philippine Biosafety Guidelines of 1991. Now, Bangladeshis benefit from
the 70-90% reduction in insecticide use2, consequently increasing the net income of their farmers the true
purpose of developing Bt crops.
We are also greatly dismayed on the nullification of the Department of Agriculture Administrative Order (DAAO) 08 series of 2002, the Biosafety Policy on Genetically-Modified (GM) Crops in the country. The expanded
decision of the SC will bring major setbacks against the stakeholders and industry in the agriculture sector.
DA Administrative Order 08-2002
It is a DA-issued policy on the Importation and Release into the Environment of Plants and Plant Products
derived from the use of Modern Biotechnology. This Biosafety Regulation Policy crafted by DA gives additional
mandate to the Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) on issuing permits to promote the safe and responsible use of
biotechnology. It also recognizes the policy of the state on acknowledging the potentials of modern
biotechnology to improve the quality of life of the Filipino People3.
We believe that the biosafety regulation policy through DA-AO 08-2002 is a workable yet highly monitored
protocol for processing products of modern biotechnology. In its 13 years of implementation parallel to the
approval of the Bt Corn, no reported environmental and health problems were perceived from the consumption
and production of Bt Corn. This was because before approval, strict food and environmental safety tests were
conducted. Also, the history of safe use of Bacillus thuringiensis can be traced back to the 1920s. This product
has also been accepted by organic farmers for over 50 years4.
The nullification of DA-AO 08 and subsequent halting of the application, commercialization and importation of
GM crops until a new Administrative Order is promulgated may decelerate agricultural development in the
country. This will also impede the continuing researches on other modern biotechnology projects (e.g. Golden
Rice, virus resistant and delayed-ripening papaya, and Bt cotton), consequently, these may cause the delay and
loss of thesis and research grants for our fellow students, interns, researchers and scientists. Therefore, with
lesser opportunities to hone their expertise in the Philippines, the graduates may seek greener pastures in other

countries. Also, the youth might be discouraged to pursue a degree in specialized sciences because of the lack of
institutional support, appreciation and incentives.
Furthermore, the decision may slow down the corn-related businesses in the Philippines. If the permit on
allowing Bt Corn is included in the enjoined decision, more than 415,000 corn farmers 5, poultry and livestock
growers, feed millers, will be greatly affected. The P 90 billion-worth6 corn industry may suffer major losses on
their income. We may no longer be self-sufficient in Corn production because of the decision.
Precautionary Principle
A ruling in the 2010 Procedure for Environmental Cases of the Philippine Supreme Court invoked by the
petitioners (Greenpeace, MASIPAG et. al) states that if there is uncertainty in assessing the cause-and-effect
relationship between human activities and the environment, actions shall be taken by the court considering the
following factors: 1) threats to human life or health; 2) inequity to present or future generations, and; 3)
prejudice to the environment without legal consideration of the environmental rights of those affected7.
We assert that the precautionary principle ruled by the Supreme Court was unfounded especially because it was
grounded on a misnomer that only naturally-produced food are safe, whereas those manipulated by man are
assumed to be dangerous. We believe that invoking the precautionary principle is dangerous as basis on the
merits of this scientific case. Because on scientific cases, let us always put in mind the reason why we conduct
research. Risks are the reason why there are regulations in the first place, and strict and proper regulations are
there so any perceived risk is precluded8.
We are firmly convinced that the precautionary principle isn't in favor of any scientific advances that are being
pushed in our country, since we all know that everything we do involves risks and the only way to know that
something is safe is through tests and studies.
As the premier student-based academic organization promoting biotechnology education in the country, we
appeal to the Supreme Court to reconsider their promulgated decision and reflect on probable overwhelming
consequences for the affected sectors. We pray to the highly respected justices of our land, on their utmost
wisdom, that they will understand and appreciate the life works of our scientists on proving the safety of GMOs
through field trials. We stand firm that our scientists, researchers and regulators are conducting the field trials in
good faith. We salute our scientists for investing their time and efforts in advancing Philippine Agriculture
through modern biotechnology, and we pray that these may not be put to waste.
We call on our fellow stakeholders to stand firm and be united on this uphill battle of upholding truthful and
science-based decision-making in our country. Together, we will take part on promoting the importance of
biotechnology in our lives for a better and progressive future.

To our fellow students, we encourage everyone to broaden our understanding about biotechnology and its
regulations, relevant laws and policies. Consequently, improving our critical thinking, so as to build-up our
recognition and appreciation towards the field and the greater good it may bring to our country. Lets speak up
for science. Lets speak up for the nation.
*For further reading of our comprehensive stand regarding this issue on 2013, kindly refer to this
link: <https://www.facebook.com/notes/up-league-of-agricultural-biotechnology-students/official-statementof-up-labs-on-the-bt-talong-project-case/300244003347367>.
**The University of the Philippines League of Agricultural Biotechnology Students (UP
LABS) is a duly recognized academic organization that unifies all students who are taking up
the Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Biotechnology (BS ABT) at the University of the
Philippines Los Baos (UPLB) College of Agriculture. The organization promotes academic
excellence amongst its members and at the same time it helps raise awareness about
biotechnology in the Philippines. It believes that biotechnology can be a tool to raise our
country's level of competency when it comes to various fields especially in agriculture, without
sacrificing the safety in each entity which is developed through biotechnology. UPLABS
Facebook page is www.facebook.com/uplabs.

**This statement is also supported by the Biology Majors Alliance of the Philippines (BMAP), UP College of
Agriculture Student Council (UP CASC), UP College of Science Student Council (UP CSSC), UP School of Statistics
Student Council, (UP Stat SC), RTU College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (RTU CASSC), UP Agricultural
Society (UP AgriSoc), UPLB Chemical Society (UPLB ChemSoc), UPLB Genetics Society (UPLB GeneSoc), UP
Pabvlvm Scientia Sodalitas (UP PSS), UPLB DOST Scholars Society (UPLB DOST SS), UP Beta Kappa Fraternity
(UP BK), UP Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Society (UP MBBS), UP Physician-Scientists Association (UP
PSA), RTU Organization of Biotechnology Students (RTU ORBITS), OLFU-QC League of Biology Enthusiasts
(OLFU-QC LOBE) & RTU Interactive Psychology Students Association (RTU IPSA).
*BMAP Established in 2007, unites more than 4000 biology majors from seventeen (17)
member organizations to uphold biology as an integral field of academics and research.
By extending its reach toward environmental and socio-civic awareness and maintaining
cooperation among biology students and alumni, BMAP seeks to promote the
importance of biology in research and medical studies; broaden the base of knowledge in
this discipline; and foster stronger bonds amongst all the members of the organization.
<https://www.facebook.com/BiomajorsPH/>
*UP CASC is the democratically-elected student government of the College of Agriculture,
University of the Philippines Los Baos. Since 1910, along with college-based student
organizations, it has been maintaining an active role in rendering service to the UPLB
community and its constituents. <https://www.facebook.com/UPCASC/>

*UP CSSC is the highest student governing body of the College of Science, University of
the Philippines Diliman, mandated by the students to serve the UP community to the best
of its ability. Since its inception, the CSSC has been at the forefront of addressing the
concerns and the welfare of the College of Science and the UP Community. As mga
Iskolar ng Bayan, the council has taken various forms of advancing the rights and
welfare of the students and of the college. <http://www.facebook.com/upcssc>
*UP Stat SC is the official student governing body of the UP School of Statistics. It has
committed itself to its goals of providing relevant avenues that develop the potentials of
the studentry, advance students rights and welfare, boost camaraderie, and awaken the
spirit
of
volunteerism
of
the
School
of
Statistics
community.
<https://www.facebook.com/UPSSStudentCouncil/>
*RTU CASSC serves as the voice of the undergraduate students in the College of Arts and
Sciences of Rizal Technological University. As the liaison between the students and the
administration, faculty, and alumni, the Councils primary goal is to foster an atmosphere
of learning that places students first. Through student programming, interaction with
administration and faculty, and promotion of the Colleges student organizations, the
Council strives to enrich the collegiate experience of the Arts and Sciences student. The
Council also stresses service to the university and the surrounding community.
<https://www.facebook.com/CAS-Student-Council-RTU-BONI-1055341911152295/>
*UP AgriSoc is an umbrella academic student organization in the UPLB College of
Agriculture which has produced quality graduates since 1986 and have since promoted
unity among students of agriculture and other related fields, has served as a channel in
agricultural extension and have participated in developmental programs.
<https://www.facebook.com/UPagrisoc>
*UPLB ChemSoc is a duly recognized academic organization at the University of the
Philippines Los Baos dedicated itself to the development of its members in the field of
Chemistry and related sciences. Majority of its members are IC-based students under
either the BS Chemistry or BS Agricultural Chemistry programs with a good mix of nonchemistry majors from the BS Biology, BS Chemical Engineering, BS Food Technology,
and
BS
Mathematics
and
Science
Teaching.
programs.<https://www.facebook.com/UPLBChemicalSociety/>
*UPLB GeneSoc is a duly recognized academic organization at UPLB. Since 1983, the
organization has strived for excellence and aimed to promote and create awareness
about
the
science
of
Genetics
in
the
Philippines.<https://www.facebook.com/GeneSoc1983/>

*UP PSS (Food Science Society) is an academic organization in the University of the
Philippines Los Baos for food scientists that was established in 1993. The organization
upholds academic excellence both in formal and non-formal learning as it develops
camaraderie and friendship among its members. <https://www.facebook.com/UPPSS/>

*UPLB DOST SS is an academic organization clustered under Scholars, established in

1985. We exist to promote academic excellence not just among our members but also
among the students of the university. Our mission is to contribute to the Philippine
Society through the promotion of Science and Technology, to encourage academic
excellence among its members and to instill our ideals of equality, service, leadership and
discipline.<https://www.facebook.com/uplbdostscholarssociety/>
*UP BK Alpha Chapter is a UPLB-based collegiate fraternity, oriented in service and
leadership, dedicated to unity to attain its aspirations, committed in pursuing its ideals,
prepared to assert its beliefs and unhesitant in upholding honors and
dignity.<https://www.facebook.com/Beta-Kappa-Fraternity-109508023105/>

*UP MBBS is the first and only duly recognized academic organization for BS Molecular
and Biotechnology (BS MBB) Students at the University of the Philippines Diliman (UPD)
College of Science. It takes pride in spreading the knowledge and promoting research in
the field of MBB, as well as providing a venue for scientific cooperation for the students.
It is geared to promoting research, awareness and advancement in the field of Molecular
Biology and Biotechnology in the Philippines, enhancing student relations and social
awareness,
and
expressing
individuality
and
creativity
in
all
its
endeavors.<http://www.upmbbs.org/>
*UP PSA is the duly recognized academic organization for MD-PhD in Molecular
Medicine students at the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM) College of Medicine.
Brought together by a common interest in biomedical science research, the organization
aims to serve as a platform for advocating basic and translational research in the
medical field and provide a community for students to supplement individual growth and
foster collaboration. <https://www.facebook.com/FilipinoPhysicianScientist>

*RTU ORBITS is an accredited academic student organization under the College of Arts
and Sciences of Rizal Technological University. Established in 1997, the organization aims
to develop well rounded individuals both in theory and application, and readiness to
prevail over the most formidable challenges towards biotechnological advancements and
continually impress upon the students the need for scientific relevance and objective
research as dependable tools in meeting the challenges on the advances in science and
technology.<https://www.facebook.com/ORBITSofficial/>
*OLFU-QC LOBE is a recognized academic student organization under the College of Arts
and Sciences of Our Lady of Fatima University- Quezon Campus. It envisions to be a
leading organization, with a great community spirit and competence, whose members
contribute to the growth and development of each individual as well as the welfare of
the society through a holistic formation and excellence in the field of Biology.
<https://www.facebook.com/League-Of-Biology-Enthusiasts/>
*RTU IPSA is a duly recognized academic student organization under the College of Arts
Science of Rizal Technological University for BS Psychology Students.

For more information about the statement of UP LABS, you may contact:
Mr. Junnel Metrillo
President
09169406448
Ms. Paulyne Nathalie Ordillo
Vice President for External Affairs
09263078658

References:

***
1

Adler. J. 2015. The Problem with Precaution: A Principle without Principle. <https://www.aei.org/publication/theproblems-with-precaution-a-principle-without-principle/>(Date Accessed December 19, 2015)
2

International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications, Executive Summary: The Status of Commercialized Bt
Brinjal
in
Bangladesh,
ISAAA
Brief
47-2014,
accessed
December
18,
2015,
www.isaaa.org/resources/publications/briefs/47/executivesummary/default.asp.

Department of Agriculture. 2002. Administrative Order No. 08: Rules and Regulations for the Importation and Release into
the
Environment
of
Plants
and
Plant
Products
Derived
from
the
Use
of
Modern
Biotechnology,
accessed
December
19,
2015,
http://www.da.gov.ph/images/PDFFiles/LawsIssuances/AO/2002AO/ao08_s2002.pdf
4

University of California-San Diego. 2015. Bacillus thurigiensis <http://www.bt.ucsd.edu/organic_farming.html>(Date

Accessed December 21, 2015)
5

Aldemita, R.R., Villena, M.M.C.A., & James, C. 2014. Biotech Corn in the Philippines: A Country Profile. Los Baos, Laguna:
International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-biotech Applications (ISAAA) and Southeast Asian Regional Center for
Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture Biotechnology Information Center.
6

Padin, G. 2015. Philmaize slams SC ruling vs GM crop testing<http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/philmaize-slams-scruling-vs-gm-crop-testing/> (Date Accessed December 19, 2015)
7

Supreme Court En Banc. 2015. G.R. No. 209271, 209276, 209301 & 209430: UPLB, UPLBFI, DA-BPI, DA-FPA, DENR-EMB,
ISAAA et. al vs. Greenpeace Southeast Asia, MASIPAG et al. pp. 1-104.
8

UP League of Agricultural Biotechnology Students. 2013. OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE
PHILIPPINES LEAGUE OF AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY STUDENTS (UP LABS) ON ISSUE AGAINST THE
ISSUANCE OF A PERMANENT WRIT OF KALIKASAN AGAINST Bt TALONG MULTI-LOCATION FIELD TRIALS. pp. 1-6