Philippines: Philippine Biotechnology Update
In August 18, 2016, the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) issued its final ruling which reversed its December 8, 2015 decision that stopped the field testing, propagation, commercialization, and importation of genetically enhanced (GE) products in the country. The SC final ruling also confirmed that the Joint Department Circular (JDC) superseded the Department of Agriculture’s Administrative Order No. 8 (AO 8). Current delays in the processing of biosafety applications as a result of the change in GE regulations may restrict the timely arrival and use of vital imported feed ingredients, and hamper the competitiveness of Philippine livestock and poultry industries.
