Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed a bill seeking to prohibit all trade in sharks and rays, both of which are being threatened by unchecked overfishing, including bycatching. Senate Bill 1245 proposes to forbid “the catching, sale, purchase, possession, transportation, and exportation of all sharks and rays or any part” of the animals all over the country. The proposed Sharks and Rays Conservation Act seeks to impose penalties of up to 12 years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to P1 million, or both to violators, including those who “inflict injury on sharks and rays.”

Caspe, M. (2016 December 28). Bill aims to protect sharks and rays. Manila Standard, p. C1.