Silliman University president Dr. Ben Malayang III has joined the clamor, urging the Supreme Court to stop the field testing of genetically-modified organisms in the Philippines, a press release from the school said.

Malayang joined environmentalists in filing a petition with the SC recently to issue a “Writ of Kalikasan”, to immediately stop GMO field testing. Reported to be under field trial is the Bacillus thuringiensis talong, a GMO variety, that is pest-resistant and reportedly harmful to humans, the press release also said.

A “Writ of Kalikasan” is based on per Article II, Section 16 on the Declaration of Principles and State Policies of the 1987 Constitution, which stresses that “The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature”.

Malayang, an environmentalist and former undersecretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said any attempt to develop the GMO technology, or apply it for use in the Philippines, needs to undergo exhaustive environmental safety assessment.

He said the Philippines is highly genetically rich and fragile, and the use of GMO without the necessary assessment could put the country into high and undue risk, the press release said.

Global environmental group Greenpeace had earlier released on its website a report describing GMOs as highly regulated and even banned in many countries.

It quoted Daniel Ocampo, sustainable agriculture campaigner for Greenpeace Southeast Asia, in saying that GMO crops “should not be cultivated outdoors anywhere in the world”, the press release also said.

In the case of Bt talong, with its built-in insect-resistance gene, this poses risks of creating aggressive weeds that may wreak havoc to local agriculture and natural habitats, Ocampo said. “GMOs have never been proven safe, which is why they are highly regulated and even banned in many countries and regions.”

The 68-page petition was also signed by Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño, Dr. Charito Medina of Magsasaka at Siyentipiko sa Pagpapaunlad ng Agrikultura, lawyers Harry Roque and Maria Paz Luna, scientist Dr. Romeo Quijano of the University of the Philippines Manila, Catherine Untalan of Miss Earth Foundation, Leo Avila of the city government of Davao, and activist-musician Noel Cabangon, the press release added.*

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