The House committee on ecology will adapt a proposal to strictly regulate aerial spraying of pesticides in farms instead of a total ban, House Speaker Nograles said Tuesday.

Nograles also said Congress still has time to pass the measure.

“It is not true that there is no more time to pass the bill. I have a marching order for the speedy passage of the bill. It would certainly see the light during this Congress because I am the one really pushing for it," Nograles said.

“The House ecology committee is expected to submit its committee report for plenary consideration either on December 7, 8, or 9. I cannot tell the exact date but it would certainly pass,” Nograles said.

He said that instead of a total ban, the committee has considered his proposal to regulate aerial spraying so that only the use of safe chemical mixture as farm pesticide would be allowed.

“This is the win-win solution we have drawn up. I proposed it to the members of the committee and everybody was amenable. Even [Cagayan de Oro] Rufus [Rodriguez] and [Anakpawis Party-list Rep. Joel] Maglunsod said they are open to it,” Nograles said.

Rodriguez and Maglunsod are co-authors of a bill seeking to ban aerial pesticide spraying nationwide.

Nograles bared the compromise after the House panel held a public hearing on the measure in Davao.

“As we gathered from experts, the chemicals used in aerial spraying in Davao are just the same as those used abroad, and safe when mixed in right amount,” he said.

Banning would not be the proper solution as this would effect the banana industry, he said.

The controversy over aerial pesticide spraying stemmed from an ordinance issued by the Davao city government banning the practice.

The ban was not implemented after a Davao regional trial court issued a preliminary injunction against the ordinance.

The case was then elevated to the Court of Appeals and later the Supreme Court.

Nograles admitted aerial spraying is a sensitive issue that would have legal and economic effects on the multi-billion-dollar banana industry and the plantation workers.

"It has legal implications in terms of income, jobs, and employment," Nograles said. "Its economic effects will also affect thousands of workers whose employment will be jeopardized if these multinational companies decide to relocate."

Meanwhile, he said aerial spraying would not have been a problem if the Davao City government didn’t allow people from dwelling near banana-growing areas.