PNoy signs law imposing stiffer penalties vs 'botcha' traders

President Benigno Aquino III has signed a law that imposes stiffer penalties against persons involved in the trade of double-dead meat, commonly known as "botcha."

 

Under Republic Act (R.A.) 10536, signed by Aquino last May 15, individuals who shall "sell, transport, offer or receive for sale or transportation" of double-dead meat will be slapped with imprisonment of up to 12 years, and fine of up to P1 million.

 

The new law amends Republic Act 9296, or the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines, which only imposes administrative fines on illegal meat traders. 
 

At a press briefing Thursday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the President signed the law to make sure that meat products consumed by Filipinos "are certified and are safe for consumption."

 

"Prior to the signing of R.A. 10536, it was the Secretary of Agriculture who was mandated to provide administrative fines and penalties. Ngayon po, meron na hong nilagay ang batas ng fine at kasama na po ang imprisonment doon sa mga lalabag sa probisyon ng batas na ito," Valte said.

 

R.A. 10536 also defines the composition and the structure of the National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), which is under the Department of Agriculture.

 

The new law prescribes that the NMIS be composed of divisions that will inspect and accredit meat inspectors, as well as take charge of the training of veterinarians and meat inspectors in the country.

 

The NMIS is also given the authority to confiscate and collect fines from business establishments proven to have violated the new law. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News