TAMPAKAN, South Cotabato - The field testing of the controversial Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn has been prohibited by this municipality's legislative body, dashing the hopes of proponents for the further trial of the transgenic crop here.

Juan Bautista David, secretary for the office of the Sangguniang Bayan ng Tampakan, told TODAY on Monday that the legislative body has approved a resolution banning the further field trial of Bt corn in the municipality.

"The Sanggunian is prohibiting the testing of the Bt corn here.  The policy was approved by majority of the councilors," he stressed.

He said the legislative policy was approved on June 3 in Resolution 102 series of 2002 entitled "A resolution prohibiting the further field trial of Bt corn in the municipality of Tampakan."

One of the reasons for the ban cited in the resolution was the earlier resolution of the South Cotabato Sangguniang Panlalawigan that also disallows the field trial of genetically modified organisms in the province. 

Late last year, the provincial board passed a resolution banning the field trial of Bt corn in the province in the absence of convincing proofs that the transgenic crop is safe to humans and the environment.  Anti-Bt corn proponents described the move as a "moral victory" of the people.

Specifically, the provincial board's resolution stated that, among others, the Bt corn field trial of Monsanto Philippines, Inc. in barangay Maltana, Tampakan, late last year will be the last to be conducted in the municipality.

Earlier, militant farmers stormed and uprooted Monsanto's about-to-be-harvested Bt corn in the same village.

Another basis for Tampakan's resolution, according to David, was the failure of concerned government agencies to provide the Tampakan council with explanation assuring the safety of the Bt corn to human health and environment.

David said that they have sent letters to the Departments of Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Science and Technology, Trade and Investment to seek guidance on the issues raised.

But the reply of these agencies were unsatisfactory and did not categorically say whether the transgenic plant is safe to humans or to the environment, David said.

He said that DENR's reply, signed by Anne Christine Rojo, head executive assistant of the agency, said that the department has sent the council's query to the Ecosystems Research and Development office based in Los Baņos, Laguna.

Another reason for the resolution, according to David, was the requirement of the National Committee on Biosafety of the Philippines that proponents should secure the approval of local government where they intend to field-test the crop.

It was learned that besides Monsanto, Pioneer Seeds Inc. has a pending application before the municipal council for a Bt field test in the area.

David disclosed that the Sanggunian has yet to transmit to the office of Mayor Claudius Barroso the resolution for his approval.

Barroso, the president of League of Mayors in the province, has earlier requested the provincial board to reconsider  its position on the transgenic crop.  However, members of the provincial board maintained their position.

Asked about the position of Barroso, who can either approve or veto the Sanggunian resolution, David said the municipal council is optimistic the mayor will sign the resolution.

Barroso, according to David, met with Vice Mayor Pedro Cagas last week and has signified a "so be it attitude."

Moreover, David pointed out that the resolution "contain no specific provisions that can be used by Barroso as basis to veto it."

"Basically, the resolution is general in nature.  There is no specific provision in which he can veto it," David said.  He said that the resolution was "neatly drafted" that  "gives no room for a veto."