Stiffer penalties face poachers in Phl waters

MANILA, Philippines - Poachers in Philippine waters now face stiffer penalties even though President Aquino failed to sign a consolidated bill in the Senate and House of Representatives seeking to amend Republic Act 8550, the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998.

Senate Bill 2414 and House Bill 4536 lapsed into law last Feb. 27 in accordance with Article VI Section 27 (1) of the  Constitution.

The notation is included in Republic Act 106541 imposing stiffer penalties on poachers.

Aquino refused to sign RA 106541 after Congress passed it in December 2014. 

Under RA 106541, the owner of the fishing vessel used in poaching, along with the skipper, chief engineer and master fisherman, will be liable for failing to report their unauthorized catch.

The new law also raised the fine for poaching from P10,000 to a minimum P500,000 and a maximum of over P1 million.

The license to operate of the fishing vessel will also be revoked and the government will seize its catch, along with   the boat.

Two weeks ago, Aquino met with operators of commercial fishing owners opposing passage of RA 106541 to explain to them that it is needed to satisfy the country’s trade  obligations with the European Union. 

“We have been expecting this. Two weeks ago we had a meeting with President Aquino. He listened to our concerns but he explained that he has the obligation to sign, veto or let this pass into law,” said Alonso Tan, Alliance of the Philippine Fishing Federations president.

Present during the meeting were Secretary to the Cabinet Rene Almendras, Irma Fishing and Trading Inc. owner Bobby del Rosario and fisheries director Asis Perez, among others.

Tan said they have the choice of making the law work for the local fishing industry through the implementing rules and regulations (IRR), consultations for which have already been held.

They will meet today to discuss their other choices, including proposing amendments to the new law or questioning its constitutionality before the Supreme Court (SC). 

The Philippine Fishing Federation is also against the requirement for fishing vessels to install Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) devices, which may entail expenses of over P240,000 per vessel, plus the monthly maintenance subscription fee of over P20,000 per vessel. –  With Czeriza Valencia