An international nongovernmental organization has asked the government to deny an application of pharmaceutical giant Bayer for commercial distribution of its genetically modified rice, Liberty Link Rice 62, on grounds that the evaluation process is ”concealed from the public.” The Southeast Asia Regional Initiative for Community Empowerment (SEARice) raised the alarm, saying the ”concealment” also posed serious questions on the independence of the government’s Scientific and Technical Review Panel from GMO-producing firms. ”We urge the Department of Agriculture to divulge the composition of the STRP and assure the public of the members’ independence from any GMO firm’s interest,” said Socrates Lugasip, SEARice technical officer.