The amended fisheries code also seeks to protect the Philippines' marine territory from illegal fishing activities of foreign vessels. Agriculture Undersecretary Segfredo Serrano said, "the law is for our own good as we will have a comprehensive piece of legislation in monitoring vessels exploiting our marine resources." Commercial fishermen in some parts of the country recently staged a "fish holiday" to protest Republic Act 10654 which amended RA 8550 or The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998. RA 19654 imposes higher penalties against illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

Conserva, LH. (2015, October 1). Amended fisheries law to curb illegal foreign vessels. The Daily Guardian, p. 2.