City Veterinarian Dr. Fernando Abulencia is pushing for an ordinance that would penalize both sellers and buyers of illegally slaughtered meat, locally known as “hot meat,” to curb its continued sale in the city.
Abulencia said the illegal trade persists because there are still consumers willing to buy the meat, prompting him to propose that penalties cover not only vendors but also their customers.
He also raised concerns over some sellers allegedly mixing meat sourced from authorized slaughterhouses with meat slaughtered at homes or backyard facilities.
Abulencia said the Task Force Hot Meat’s enforcement authority is currently based on an executive order that contains no penalty provisions, limiting the measures that can be imposed on violators.
Despite regular inspections by technical personnel at roadside meat-selling areas, illegal slaughtering activities have continued, he added.
To address the problem, Abulencia said an ordinance with clear penalties is needed to strengthen enforcement and discourage both the supply and demand for illegally slaughtered meat.
He said he has begun discussing the proposed measure with the city administrator and Councilor Mandrie Malabor, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on Markets.IMT
