BCP STATEMENT
Sebastian Montemayor | August 5,2024
On April 30, 2024, the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP) issued a statement addressing the recent decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) to halt all commercial development and propagation of golden rice and Bt talong (eggplant). Two genetically modified organism (GMO) crops developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) respectively.
On April 30, 2024, the Biotechnology Coalition of the Philippines (BCP) issued a statement addressing the recent decision of the Court of Appeals (CA) to halt all commercial development and propagation of golden rice and Bt talong (eggplant). Two genetically modified organism (GMO) crops developed by the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) and University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) respectively.
The BCP statement expresses concern over the widespread effects of the decision, as it affects not only the two crops targeted by the CA, but also threatens to slow or completely halt biotechnological research and development in the country. Agencies and Investors, both local and international, interested in biotechnology often look for stable regulatory environments before committing resources. The CA’s decision puts the regulatory atmosphere of the Philippines into doubt, and calls its credibility as a lead developer of agricultural biotechnology into doubt.
The BCP argues that the CA’s decision disregards the overwhelming scientific evidence supporting the safety and benefits of golden rice and Bt talong, both having undergone extensive safety assessments and field trials. Golden Rice in particular being assessed safe by multiple internationally accredited organizations, such as Health Canada, Food Standards Australia-New Zealand, and the US Food and Drug Administration, among others.
Various scientific, academic, and economic organizations have since released similar statements, supporting the BCP’s message on the benefits of GMO crops and the continued development of biotechnology in the country. The National Academy of Science and Technology, Philippines (NAST PHL) stated “NAST reiterates its support for the use of modern biotechnology in plant breeding and expresses its concern that the court decision unnecessarily delays its overdue innovations.”. While a joint statement released by the Foundation for Economic Freedom, the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the American Chamber of Commerce, the Makati Business Club, and the Management Association of the Philippines, contained similar sentiments.
In closing, the BCP calls on the Court of Appeals to reconsider its decision, and on the Philippine government to continue supporting responsible development of agricultural biotechnology. They stand ready to engage with all stakeholders to foster a constructive dialogue regarding agricultural biotechnology.
