Penalties Based on the Value of Fish or Aquatic Animals
- If total value is not more than 100 pesos:
- Fine between 50 to 200 pesos, or
- Imprisonment from 1 month to 6 months, or
- Both fine and imprisonment.
- If total value exceeds 100 pesos:
- Fine between 200 to 500 pesos, or
- Imprisonment from 6 months to 5 years, or
- Both fine and imprisonment.
Liability of Buyers and Duty to Report Violations
- Buyers who knowingly purchase illegally obtained fish or aquatic animals incur the same penalties unless they report the violation to authorities.
- Reporting to proper authorities exempts the buyer from criminal liability.
- Upon discovery of violation, buyers must denounce the act to enable investigation and prosecution.
Accountability of Authorities and Officers
- Policemen, peace officers, sanitary inspectors, Bureau of Health employees, or persons in authority are required to investigate and prosecute violations upon knowledge.
- Failure without just cause to act or causing delays in investigation and prosecution results in removal or suspension from office and penal sanctions.
Definition of "Fish or Other Aquatic Animals"
- Includes fish and aquatic animals regardless of form, whether dried, refrigerated, canned, or otherwise processed.
Examination and Expert Opinion on Alleged Violations
- Sanitary division head, sanitary inspector, or authorized Bureau of Health representative must examine alleged stupefied or killed fish upon request.
- Their report serves as expert opinion to competent courts.
Implementation and Regulation
- Department of Health, with concurrence of Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, shall issue implementing instructions and regulations, especially concerning the examination process.
Repeal of Inconsistent Laws
- All previous laws inconsistent with this act are repealed.
Effectivity Clause
- The Act took effect immediately upon approval on June 7, 1950.