Amendments to strengthen fisheries code, says Villar

Senator Cynthia Villar. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Sen. Cynthia Villar has defended amendments to the Philippine Fisheries Code granting authorities more power to curb overfishing, including slapping commercial fishers with as much as P45 million in fines.

Villar said that crafting a strong fisheries law and comprehensive plan of action, and enforcing an international code of conduct were “necessary” in view of mounting global concerns on overfishing.

Echoing warnings by experts, Villar, chair of the Senate agriculture committee, said that oceans could turn into “virtual deserts” by 2050 if sustainable fishing wasn’t practiced and oceans were not given time to recover.

She also said the 2010 Census of Marine Life showed that 90 percent of the large fish were depleted due to overfishing.

“It is the government’s role to protect the resources of the country, ensure food security for the nation and prevent all forms of activities that jeopardize the sustainability of our resources,” she said.

The Senate and the House of Representatives have reconciled their versions of the measure amending the Fisheries Code in a bid to comply with international conventions and avoid a possible European Union ban on marine and fisheries products.

President Aquino is expected to sign it into law before yearend.

Lawmakers amended the 17-year-old law to impose penalties on illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, ranging from P2 million to P45 million, according to Villar.

The new version was improved to address the objections raised by the Alliance of Philippine Fishing Federation Inc., a group of commercial fishing operators, she said.

In a paid advertisement, the group has urged the President to veto the amendments, specifically the penalties, warning that many of them would shut down.

Penalties

According to Villar, the penalties are: P2 million to P9 million on small-scale commercial fishing; P10 million to P15 million on medium-scale commercial fishing; P16 million to P20 million on large-scale commercial fishing vessels below 750 gross tons, and P25 million to P45 million on large-scale commercial fishing vessels 750 gross tons and above.

“The sanctions as stated in the amendments to the Fisheries Code are intended only for those who willingly, intentionally and willfully violate the law. As long as you do fishing within the bounds of the law, you don’t have to fear paying these penalties,” she said.

She said the implementing rules and regulations would also spell out how fishers could contribute insights on how the amendments would be implemented.

“It is our common interest to make sure that there is continuous fishing which would only be possible if we prevent all forms of activities that jeopardize the sustainability of our resources. The amended Fisheries Code will benefit fishing entities who abide by the law,” she said.

In the new version, Villar explained that the provision on confiscation of vessels, except in case of poaching, was deleted.

In case of infraction, the operator or owner of the commercial fishing vessel would face administrative liability, instead of criminal liability. Administrative fines and imprisonment will be imposed on the three highest officers of the vessel upon conviction by a court, she said.

Villar also pointed out that the measure seeks the creation of the Fisheries Management Fund from the fines and penalties collected to bankroll livelihood and scholarship programs, among others, for the fisherfolk and their families.