The approval of genetically modified (GM) bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) corn went through a rigorous five-year process as indicated in Administrative Order (AO) NO.8 and has not been arbitrarily passed without consultation nor consideration for health and environmental safety.

In a statement, Blo Umpar Adiong, director of GM commercialization lead agency Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), said that non-government organizations (NGOs) have pressed government to stop Bt corn propagation apparently as part of celebrating Earth Day last April 22 but without consideration to due process and administration to due process and administrative rules.

The NGOs began holding a hunger strike since April 22 saying they would not stop from the strike until a moratorium is issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA). And yet, Adiong said, these NGOs including Greenpeace and Philippine Greens, have not at all submitted their opposition to Bt corn during past consultations.

"The AO8 was the product of almost three years of national consultation with various stakeholders. It was signed by former DA Secretary Leonardo Montemayor. On record, BPI has not formally received any negative comments pertaining to the application," Adiong said.

Hunger striker Roberto Verzola said in another statement that Bt corn's approval has been flawed form the beginning as the members of the Scientific and Technical Review Panel (STRP) has been in favor of Bt corn from the time field testing for the corn was being applied for.