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August 30, 2006

MAYOR DUTERTE TO BANANA FIRMS: DON'T THREATEN US

[Rachel's introduction: "We have to protect first our people and
environment," he said, using the precautionary principle against the
alleged ill effects of aerial spraying [of pesticides] on the health
of residents and the environment near agricultural plantations.]

By Walter I. Balane, MindaNews

Davao City, Philippines, August 29 -- Banana firms should not threaten
the city government that they will move out of if an ordinance banning
aerial spraying is passed, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said.

If the firms leave, it may be difficult at first, he admitted "but we
will survive eventually." "We have to protect first our people and
environment," he said.

Duterte was reacting to reports that banana firms were threatening to
leave the city when the proposed law banning aerial spraying is
passed.

The Council was expected to vote today on the proposed ban but instead
tasked an ad hoc committee to sum up all positions and
recommendations. It was not the first time the Council postponed the
vote. On August 8, the Council decided to convene as a committee of
the whole on August 23 to deliberate on the issue.

Duterte said if the industry could show enough proof that aerial
spraying does not harm health and environment, "then we could make
them use aerial spraying".

The city government is using the precautionary principle against the
alleged ill effects of aerial spraying on the health of residents and
the environment near agricultural plantations.

But the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA)
debunked the claims and said member-companies that use the method are
responsible and have taken safety measures. In a statement published
in local newspapers last week, it expressed confidence in the city
council's deliberations.

City officials have confirmed strong lobbying from the banana industry
not to pass the ordinance and instead bat for more regulation.

Many councilors received persistent calls from the banana industry,
Councilor Leonardo Avila, environment committee chair, told MindaNews
Monday.

The ad hoc body, composed of councilors Avila, Jesus Zozobrado, Nenita
Orcullo, and Bonifacio Militar, was given 15 days after the receipt of
the minutes to consolidate the proceedings of Avila's committee report
on August 8, the positions from stakeholders during the August 23
special session, and the discussions of the session today.

Charito Santos, chief of the resolutions, ordinance and agenda
division of the city council said it might take them at least a week
to work on the minutes.

The councilors expected more inputs in today's session from Department
of Health regional director Paulyn Russel Ubial. Ubial, who sent a
representative to make a presentation on August 23.

Some councilors counted on Ubial's presentation for official findings
on the alleged ill effects of aerial spraying on health. Rex Labadia,
from the DOH's environmental health program told the city council
today they could not conclusively say aerial spraying is harmful in
the absence of a DOH study.

Supporters of the ban marched to City Hall after the session to
express dismay over the delay of the approval.

But Duterte said he would not be moved by protesters.

"As much as we want this ordinance passed, we still respect the
independence of the city council," he said. He said he will listen
only to the city council. (Walter I. Balane/MindaNews)

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