MANILA: The sale and distribution of hot meat, commonly known as botcha, is punishable with a higher fine and even imprisonment.
President Aquino signed into law Republic Act 10536 last May 15, amending the Meat Inspection Code of the Philippines and imposing stiffer penalties on violators.
“Now the penalty is much heavier. In the past, there is just administrative fine and the agriculture secretary is the one deciding on that,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said.
Under the new law, any person found selling, transporting, offering or receiving hot meat faces imprisonment of six to 12 years and fine ranging from P100,000 to P1m.
“The law also provides for some restructuring in terms of the composition of the NMIS (National Meat Inspection Service), which is the primary agency responsible for making sure that the meat that arrives at your table is certified safe for consumption,” Valte said.
RA 10536 was a consolidation of Senate Bill 3388 and House Bill 5490 that was passed last February 4.
The Philippine Star
