WHEREAS, Administrative Order No. 14, Series of 1998, requires the issuance of a Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (Import Permit) by the Department of Agriculture as a condition for the valid importation of meat product

WHEREAS, 88 Mart Duty Free, Inc. effected the importation of forty four (44) containers of Maling Pork Luncheon Meat from Shanghai Maling Food Co., Ltd. in China sometime in May and June 2000;

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 for the Department of Agriculture to uphold the Rule of Law, and to set 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, 88 MART DUTY FREE, INC.;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDGARDO J. ANGARA. Secretary of Agriculture, by the powers vested in me by law, do hereby impose an administrative fine of ONE MILLION PESOS (Php1,000,000.00) on 88 MART DUTY FREE, INC.

88 MART DUTY FREE, 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 88 MART DUTY FREE, INC. being a condition for the lifting of any Veterinary Quarantine Clearance (VQC) violation caused by the importation of forty four (44) containers of Maling Pork Luncheon Meat.

SO ORDERED.

Adopted: 31 July 2000

(SGD.) EDGARDO J. ANGARA
Secretary