Chicharon nutritional label: Sitoy snubs hearing of own ordinance

CEBU, Philippines – While it was he who proposed the mandatory printing of a nutritional content label on packages of chicharon, Provincial Board Member Arleigh Jay Sitoy did not appear during the public hearing of his proposed ordinance held in Carcar, famous for its chicharon products in Cebu.

Instead, Sitoy conducted his own consultative meeting at the Capitol with some chicharon producers in Cebu.

"It is malicious to hold the public hearing in Carcar. Unsa man, rally? They want to embarrass me. I know the stand of Carcaranons," Sitoy said.

The PB committee on health headed by PB member Sergio Restauro conducted the public hearing in Carcar. Sitoy insisted that it should be at the Capitol so consumers can attend.

"Wa ko'y intention pagpatay sa industry in Carcar. Ang ako ang consumers," Sitoy said.

A couple from Carcar, Rhanie and Gerald Paras, attended Sitoy's meeting yesterday with their lawyer, Joselito Alo.

Chelo Delantor of Chilen Chicharon said that for 12 years already he complied with the intention of Sitoy as their products are well-packed for export.

While others who attended the meeting agreed with the proposal of Sitoy as they are doing it already, they asked him to just delete the health warnings.

"Wa man mi mag-worry anang proposal. Ang amoa lang ang health warning kay pagkaon gyud ni, makadaut sa negosyo," Delantor said.

Sitoy heeded the concerns of manufacturers but said he still has to gather more input.

"If they will kill my ordinance, I will object. If it is disapproved, I will refile it," Sitoy said.

Those who attended yesterday's public hearing in Carcar were Board members Restauro, Julian Daan and Agnes Magpale as well as Carcar's local officials.

"All who attended the public hearing opposed the ordinance of Sitoy and they want it disapproved by the Provincial Board," Carcar Mayor Nicepuro Apura told The FREEMAN.

Restauro said that he will recommend for the denial of the proposed ordinance in his committee report before the PB plenary.

Restauro said that aside from the unanimous objection of those who attended yesterday, the proposal is also unconstitutional.

Even before it was scheduled for the required public hearing, the proposed ordinance is already opposed by Carcar officials as well as Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

A resolution was passed by the municipal council of Carcar last September 29's regular session and was approved by Apura last October 5.

The resolution stated, "Chicharon making has been a pre-war industry of the Municipality of Carcar, thus making it as one of our Heritage Industries."

A lot of Carcaranons are engaged in the industry as it helps them earn a living by selling the products to the different provinces of the Philippines.

"It also promotes some degree of discrimination on the chicharon industry in particular as well as the piggery/hog industry in general," the resolution further stated.

Earlier, Sitoy defended his proposed ordinance in a privilege speech after the governor called his proposal "silly". (FREEMAN)