THE anti-aerial spraying movement Mamamayan Ayaw sa Aerial Spraying (Maas) is still hoping that the decision of the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court (SC) not to ban aerial spray as agricultural practice in Davao City will be altered.
Maas president Dagohoy Magaway issued this statement in celebration of the World No Pesticide Day, which will be on December 3. He said the group continues to call on the banana companies to consider shifting to organic farming.
"As we are going to celebrate the World No Pesticide Day, we also recall how the SC applauded the ongoing poisoning of the people in the city, by declaring banning aerial spray as unconstitutional in 2016," Magaway said in an interview.
Magaway said he perceived the justices of the SC as inhuman and no different from animals. He added that the court ruled on technicalities and not to protect the value of life and the environment poisoned through rains of aerial spraying.
He cited how Bukidnon province value human life. He said people in Bukidnon banned aerial spray in 2001 to protect its livestock and poultry industry, and nobody attempted to question the legality of their ordinance.
"It is fortunate for Bukidnon to have such ordinance, considering the province has a vast banana, pineapple, and other commercial agricultural plantations. I hope SC will come to their senses and realize the value of life," Magaway said.