Pia to FPA: "Why was ban on endosulfan lifted?"

Senator Pia S. Cayetano today asked the Fertilizer and Pesticide Authority (FPA) to explain why it continues to allow the use in the country of endosulfan, the highly toxic pesticide that went down with the ill-fated MV Princess of the Stars at the height of typhoon Frank and now threatens to contaminate humans and the environment off the coast of Romblon.

"The fact that we allow the use of this toxic chemical while it is banned in other countries is already a controversy," she stressed.

Endosulfan is banned in 17 countries because of its acute toxicity on humans. It was supposed to have been banned in the country by the FPA in 1994, but exemptions were reportedly given to major pineapple producers Del Monte Philippines, Inc. and Dole Philippines Inc.

"What made the FPA lift the ban on this substance and when? Were there any recent findings by the agency showing it's not dangerous to use anymore and therefoew we can use it now?" she asked.

She agreed with the position of environmental groups that the endosulfan "discovery" in the sunken vessel MV Princess of the Stars not only involved maritime safety regulation issues, but also government policy on the entry, handling and use of toxic chemicals in the country.

She urged Sulpicio Line and Del Monte to disclose to the public all their records pertaining to the transport and handling of the latter's endosulfan orders and shipments in the last two years.

"We also have to ask the FPA how much of these substances are being introduced into our environment and what safety measures, if any, are being implemented to ensure the safety of plantation workers and consumers."

"The fact that it was transported and was not declared is already a bad thing. But the next thing we have to find out is how much of these are actually are being allowed to enter our country."

"Definitely on the part of the Senate, we can start an independent investigation to find out our level of compliance with international standards. But the first thing we must do is gather from concerned government agencies whatever information they can give us."