Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10817)
Republic Act No. 10817 is officially titled as the Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Act of 2016.
The State's policy is to promote the growth and ensure the integrity and quality of Philippine Halal exports, develop and promote Halal industries, and protect consumers from unscrupulous trade practices in Halal products, processes, and services.
Halal is defined as lawful or permissible under Shariah (Islamic Law).
It is the comprehensive set of objectives, targets, strategies, and activities for the growth of Halal industries producing products, processes, and services leading to increased exports of Halal products.
The Philippine Halal Export Development and Promotion Board (Halal Board) was created as the policy-making body on Halal export development.
The Board comprises the Secretary of the Department of Trade and Industry as Chairperson, Secretary of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos as Vice Chairperson, Secretaries of Agriculture, Health, Science and Technology, Foreign Affairs, Tourism, Governor of Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Chairperson of Mindanao Development Authority, and two Muslim Filipino professionals appointed by the President.
They include formulating and overseeing the Halal Export Development Program, coordinating standards, promoting international agreements, issuing the Philippine Halal Logo, supporting Halal certification bodies, creating technical panels, investigating disputes, and requesting government or private assistance.
The PAB is empowered to formulate accreditation policies, grant or deny accreditation of Halal certification bodies, and suspend or withdraw such accreditation.
The Department of Agriculture (BAFS) for primary and post-harvest foods, Department of Health (FDA) for processed foods, drugs, and cosmetics, and the Department of Trade and Industry (BPS) for nonfood products aside from drugs and cosmetics.
All exported Halal products must undergo certification by an accredited Halal body, comply with Philippine or international Halal standards, be registered with the regulatory agency concerned, and may use the Philippine Halal Logo with permission.
No, Halal certification for domestic products is voluntary but those certified may apply to use the Philippine Halal Logo.
The DTI, NCMF, DA, DOH, DOST, CHED, TESDA, state universities and colleges, certification bodies, the private sector, and Muslim Filipino organizations.
The Halal Board issues the Philippine Halal Logo and the guidelines for its proper use; other government agencies are prohibited from issuing logos as proof of Halal compliance, and previously issued logos by government agencies are disallowed.
Yes, the Halal Board can accept donations, grants, endowments, or bequests from local and foreign sources but not to be used for personal services or operating expenses.
The Philippine Halal Promotion, Development and Accreditation Board under the NCMF is dissolved; its promotion and development records are transferred to the Halal Board, and accreditation records to the PAB.