QuestionsQuestions (BFAR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 202, S. 2000)
It is promulgated pursuant to Section 91 of Republic Act No. 8550 (Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998).
Coral consists of small anemone-like organisms in Phylum Coelenterata that secrete their own skeletons, including (i) precious corals (genus Corallium—red/pink/white), (ii) semi-precious corals (Antipatharians—black corals), and (iii) ordinary corals (all other corals not classified as precious or semi-precious).
It means the actual extraction, gathering, and collection of corals in accordance with acceptable coral development and conservation practices.
It is the actual sending or shipping of corals to another country for sale.
It is unlawful for any person or corporation to gather, possess, sell, or export ordinary, precious, and semi-precious corals, whether in raw or processed form.
Yes. The prohibition applies whether the corals are in raw or in processed form.
Permits may be issued to research institutions to gather coral in limited quantities for scientific or research purposes.
Coral species listed in CITES Appendix are excluded from the exception.
No. The exception is specifically for research institutions.
Violation subjects the offender to imprisonment of six (6) months to two (2) years and a fine of PHP 2,000.00 to PHP 20,000.00, or both, at the discretion of the court.
Forfeiture of the subject corals, including the vessel, and proper disposition of those forfeited items.
They shall either be returned to the sea, donated to schools and museums for educational and scientific purposes, or disposed through other means most favorable to the government.
All existing administrative orders, rules, and regulations (or parts thereof) inconsistent with the Order are repealed or modified accordingly.
Fifteen (15) days after publication in the Official Gazette and/or two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
It states that ‘person’ includes both natural and juridical persons, and it expressly covers any person or corporation.