Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 6451)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 6451 is to prohibit electro-fishing in freshwater areas of the Philippines and to impose penalties on those who violate this prohibition.
Electro-fishing is defined as a method of catching fish using electricity generated by dry cell storage batteries, electric generators, or other electric power sources to stupefy, disable, or kill fish and other aquatic animals.
The freshwater areas covered include all rivers, lakes, swamps, marshes, dams, irrigation canals, and other bodies of freshwater in the Philippines.
Yes, electro-fishing is allowed only for research, educational, and scientific purposes authorized by the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The penalty includes imprisonment ranging from six months to one year and a fine from five hundred to one thousand pesos. Additionally, all apparatus, paraphernalia, and boats used in electro-fishing will be confiscated and forfeited to the government.
In case of juridical persons, the partner, president, director, or manager who consents to or knowingly tolerates the violation is held liable as a co-principal.
The term 'person' includes both natural persons (individual human beings) and artificial persons (such as corporations or juridical entities).
The Act took effect upon its approval on June 17, 1972.
The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources has the authority to authorize the use of electro-fishing for research, educational, and scientific purposes.
All apparatus, paraphernalia, including boats used in electro-fishing, shall be confiscated and forfeited in favor of the government.