Law penalizes foreign vessels polluting, poaching in Phl

A new law that President Marcos signed will protect the country from foreign ships that pollute domestic waters across the archipelago, and provide penalties as well for poachers who fish or explore local marine resources.

- By DELON PORCALLA

The law providing for the establishment of archipelagic sea lanes in the Philippine archipelagic waters (Republic Act 12065) reaffirms domestic sovereignty and sovereign rights over these waters, and strictly prohibits foreign ships and aircraft passing through designated lanes.

Non-compliance with such provisions will mean a penalty of imprisonment of one year and one day to two years and two months, and/or a fine of $1.2 million or its Philippine peso equivalent, at the discretion of the court, according to Rep. LRay Villafuerte.