Dennis M. Guerrero, Department of Agriculture undersecretary, has said that he is confident that the new rules are addressing concerns regarding the consultation process, risk assessment, and environmental assessment outlined in the previous regulation. A case involving field trials for the Bacillus thuringiensis eggplant had initially challenged said regulations.
The field trials are now subject to public consultation, which will incorporate an approval process at the level of local government, as the local government unit code mandates. The draft circular is also open for public comment from now until the 18th of February. More precise international standards are used to address the risks to human health and biodiversity.
