Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines asks
President Arroyo to defer widespread use of Bt-Corn

(SRC:The Manila Bulletin Online -- ATH:N/A)

The Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has asked Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to defer any decision that would allow the commercial use of genetically modified (GM) Bt corn in that country.

Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal said that the CBCP would like a "comprehensive study" to be conducted on Bt corn before Arroyo approves its use. Vidal commented, "We have to be careful about what we consume, because once it is there, how can we remedy the situation?"

Vidal asserted that the Catholic Bishops want their position to be known because it differs from that of the Philippines Department of Agriculture, which supports the use of Bt corn.

The article reiterates that Bt corn has been field tested in Bay, Laguna, and General Santos. It notes that the city council of General Santos City has approved a resolution that designates the city as "GMO-free."

The article can be viewed online at the link below:
http://www.mb.com.ph/news.php?art=27224§=13&fname=PR03020627224f.txt

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