Roles and Responsibilities of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Tasked to organize and establish a National Meat Inspection System within 15 days.
- The system is to have defined functions and procedures as indicated in Presidential Decree No. 7.
- Responsible for authorizing ante-mortem and post-mortem inspection fees.
Duties of the Secretary of National Defense
- Responsible for ensuring the safe, prompt, and economical movement of livestock and animal products.
- Must prevent interception of vehicles transporting such products by individuals engaging in extortion or harassment.
- Authorized to arrest and detain offenders under Proclamation No. 1081 (Martial Law declaration).
Directives to Provincial Governors, City and Municipal Mayors
- Prohibited from imposing or collecting any fees or charges on the production, slaughter, transport, and marketing of livestock and animal products within their jurisdictions.
- Exception is made for ante-mortem and post-mortem fees specifically authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture and National Meat Inspection System.
Price Control Council’s Mandate
- Directed to review and adjust ceiling prices of meat and other animal products.
- Must consider reduced marketing costs due to enforcement of the Presidential Decree.
- Tasked to approve new price ceilings within 30 days to help lower retail prices for consumers.
Enforcement and Legal Framework
- The letter is anchored on Presidential Decree No. 7 dated October 1, 1972.
- Enforcement is backed by Proclamation No. 1081 declaring martial law, allowing detention of offenders.
- Emphasizes cooperation among various government agencies and local government units for effective implementation.