UPLB respects CA decision on halting release of modified eggplant

The University of the Philippines - Los Baños (UPLB) has said that it respects the ruling of the Court of Appeals (CA) ordering the university to stop the release of its genetically modified eggplant product.

In a statement released last week, the university said it will coordinate with the Office of the Solicitor General for the proper course of action.

“UPLB has consistently complied with all government standards and protocols under the National Biosafety Framework and related guidelines in the development of Bt eggplant technology,” the UPLB said.

“This innovation is UPLB’s response to the urgent need to make eggplant production safer for farmers and the consuming public, increase farmers’ productivity and income, and improve the environment of the Philippines’ eggplant-producing communities,” it added.

It issued the remark after the appellate court granted a writ of kalikasan and ordered the UPLB to cease and desist from conducting activities related to the Bt Eggplant, and directed the Philippine Rice Research Institute to stop activities related to Golden Rice.

In granting the petition, the appellate court applied the precautionary principle, which states that when human activities may lead to threats of serious and irreversible damage to the environment that is scientifically plausible but uncertain, actions shall be taken to avoid or diminish that threat.

The UPLB, however, noted that the court did not revoke the university’s biosafety permit for commercial propagation.

“As the National University, UP is mandated to pursue innovations in science and technology, including the use of modern biotechnology, to help the Philippines attain its development goals in agriculture while advocating sustainability and environmental safety,” it said.

The case stemmed from the petition filed by Magsasaka At Siyentipiko para sa Pag-Unlad Agrikultura (Masipag), Greenpeace Southeast Asia (Greenpeace), four other groups, and seven individuals. —KG, GMA Integrated News