WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 14, s. 1998 requires the issuance of a Veterinary Quarantine Certificate (Import Permit) by the Department of Agriculture as a condition for the valid importation of live cattle;

WHEREAS, DEALCO Farms, Inc., effected the following importations without any valid Import Permit issued by the Department of Agriculture: 2,523 heads of cattle on May 8, 2000 aboard M/V Dealco I landed at Subic Port; 2,441 heads of cattle on May 11, 2000 aboard M/V Lis E landed at Subic Port; 3,000 heads of cattle on May 31, 2000 aboard M/V Lis E landed at General Santos City; 2,592 heads of cattle on June 1, 2000 aboard M/V Dealco I landed at General Santos City;

WHEREAS, DEALCO Farms, Inc., again in violation of the rules, caused the importation of 2,388 heads of cattle on June 17, 2000 aboard M/V Dealco I at General Santos City, and 2,835 heads of cattle on June 18, 2000 aboard M/V Lis E at General Santos City;

WHEREAS, it is important for the Department of Agriculture to enforce strictly its rules on importation, especially as they impact on quarantine requirements necessary for the protection of the environment and the health of the citizenry;

WHEREAS, it is important likewise for the Department of Agriculture to uphold the Rule of Law, and to sent an example to the public and provide a deterrent against similar violations, by proceeding against those who have violated the law and rules, in this case, DEALCO Farms, Inc.;

WHEREAS, there are at least thirty-three (33) registered importers of live cattle, the biggest among them being DEALCO Farms, Inc., and it is imperative for the Department of Agriculture to proceed with the full force of the law against DEALCO Farms, Inc., in order that no further violations of the rules of importation will be committed;

WHEREAS, DEALCO Farms, Inc., through its President, Delfin T. Alcoriza, has admitted to its violation of the rules on importation, and has publicly declared its readiness to accept any and all sanctions which the Department of Agriculture may impose against it;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDGARDO J. ANGARA. Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby impose, in addition to those already imposed under existing law and rules governing importation of live cattle, an administrative fine of Pesos: Five Million (Php 5,000,000.00) on DEALCO Farms, Inc.

DEALCO Farms, Inc. is directed to pay the fine to the Cashier of the Department of Agriculture not later than seventy-two (72) hours from the issuance hereof.

The concerned offices of the Department of Agriculture are directed to monitor strictly and enforce this Order, compliance by DEALCO Farms, Inc., being a condition for the lifting of the effects of the letter dated June 15, 2000 respecting its violations of the rules on importation.

SO ORDERED.

Adopted: 23 June 2000

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary