Policy against dynamite fishing
- Government preservation of fish resources is declared an essential objective because fish is an essential food of the people.
- Dynamite fishing is treated as destructive of fish resources and is prohibited under Section 12 of Act No. 4003.
- Dynamite fishing is penalized under Section 76 of Act No. 4003.
- The order links large-scale dynamite fishing with the use of boats licensed as fish carriers.
- The order is designed to identify fish carrier operators that lack legitimate fish sources and to remove them from operation.
Committee composition and designation
- The Screening Committee is composed of one representative from each of the Departments of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Finance, and National Defense.
- Each representative is to be designated by the respective Secretaries of those departments.
- Designation must occur within ten (10) days from the date of June 14, 1954.
- The committee is tasked with screening duties that must begin immediately after formation.
Screening requirements and evidence
- The Screening Committee shall immediately proceed to screen all persons operating boats licensed as “fish carriers.”
- Fish carrier operators are required to present evidence proving the legitimate source of their fish supply.
- Fish carrier operators must also present evidence of their monthly output of fish supply.
- The screening is intended to distinguish operators with legitimate resources from those without.
Reporting, recommendations, and proof submitted
- The Screening Committee must submit a written report to the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- The committee’s report must include its findings and recommendations.
- The committee’s report must be accompanied by the evidence presented in each case.
- The Secretary relies on the committee’s findings, recommendations, and accompanying evidence to decide on license actions.
License withdrawal or revocation authority
- The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources shall decide whether to withdraw or revoke the fish carrier license in each case.
- The Secretary’s decision is made on the basis of the Committee’s findings and recommendations.
- The Secretary’s decision is final.
- Withdrawal or revocation is intended to remove potential instruments of dynamite fishing from operation.
Future licensing rules and delegated guidance
- The Screening Committee must submit a proposed set of rules and regulations governing the issuance of fish carrier licenses.
- The proposed rules are intended for guidance of the Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
- The Secretary of Agriculture and Natural Resources is to use the proposed rules in promulgating future regulations on fish carrier licensing.
- The Secretary’s future rulemaking is tied to the exercise of authority under Section 4 of Act No. 4003 (Fisheries Act).
Issuance details and effectivity mechanism
- The order is done in the City of Manila and dated June 14, 1954.
- It is signed by Ramon Magsaysay, President of the Philippines, with Fredo Ruiz Castro as Executive Secretary.
- No publication rule, transitory clause, or effective date other than issuance date is stated in the order’s operative provisions.