Ordinance to protect sharks set for hearing in Lapu-Lapu City

CEBU, Philippines - The Lapu-Lapu City Council has set a public hearing next week on the proposed ordinance prohibiting the fishing, catching, and or making use of any kinds of sharks and other endangered species in the seawaters off the city.

Vice Mayor Marcial Ycong and the members of the City Council agreed to discuss the proposal and hear the sentiments of the affected sectors.

The City Council believes that the city government needs to protect the city's marine resources by prohibiting the fishing, catching, and or making use of any kinds of sharks and other endangered species.

Some businessmen and fishermen in Lapu-Lapu City earlier said they want to be clarified on the proposed ordinance.

Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Alexander Gestopa Jr., author of the proposed ordinance, said this is to complement the city government's program to protect its marine resources.

Gestopa said there is a need for the members of the City Council to take the initiate against catching of exotic marine animals like sharks, whales or dolphins.

Gestopa said some of the business establishments in the city are trading shark meat and other marine animals.

Under the proposed ordinance, any person, entity or establishment found violating any part of the ordinance shall be penalized with the following.

In case the offender is a natural person, the penalty of imprisonment of one month to six months shall be imposed and or a penalty of P5,000 or both depending on the discretion of the court.

In case the offender is an entity (business establishment) or juridical person, the manager, supervisor, person in charge, proprietor or corporate officer shall be penalized with six months imprisonment and or a fine of P5,000 or both depending on the discretion of the court.

In addition, permits of the company or establishment found to have violated any of the provisions of the ordinance shall be cancelled.  (FREEMAN)