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. 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.

Porcalla, D., & Valencia, C. (2015, March 10). Stiffer penalties face poachers in Phl waters. The Philippine Star, p. 7.