EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E  
S. No. 
718
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•19 
JUL 24 A 9 59
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Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
BANNING THE SALE, PURCHASE, POSSESSION, 
TRANSPORTATION, IMPORTATION, AND EXPORTATION 
OF SHARK FIN AND FOOD CONTAINING SHARK FIN
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Sharks, despite being predators of the sea, play a vital role in 
marine biodiversity. However, a recent study revealed that around one 
hundred (100) million sharks are killed by humans every year through 
shark finning.1 Shark finning refers to the removal and retention of shark 
fins and the discard at the sea of its carcass2. The finned sharks are most 
often still alive when tossed back into the water. Unable to swim, they 
are left to die at the bottom of the sea. Shark finning not only causes the 
depletion of the different species of sharks but also threatens the stability 
and ecological balance of the marine ecosystem.
Shark fins are typically used to make shark fin soup, a delicacy 
prepared in the olden times for emperors and noble people. This soup is 
a symbol of status in the Chinese culture and was thought to have 
medicinal benefits. Many fishermen prefer to practice shark finning as
Global 
Catches, 
exploitation 
rates, 
and 
rebuilding 
option 
for 
sharks, 
retrieved 
from 
https://www..sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0308597X 13000055 on July 16, 2019
2Shark Education, retrieved from https;//www.sharkwater.com/shark-education/on July 16, 2019


shark fins are more valuable and yields more money for less effort. 
Since these fins are regularly sold in the market as food products, the 
continuous demand for them have caused the drastic decline in the shark 
population over the years.
This bill seeks to ban the sale, usage, purchase, possession, 
transportation, importation and exportation of shark fins and food 
products containing shark fins in order to conserve and preserve sharks, 
and to protect the ecological balance of our marine biodiversity.
The passage of this measure is earnestly sought.
AQUILINO “KOKO” PIMENTEL III


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EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
First Regular Session
S E N A T E
S. No. 
718
^ 
Senate
(8nicf of tl)r dif<rttarr
•19 
JUL24 A 9 59
rece; . \ o b \.
Introduced by Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel HI
AN ACT
BANNING THE SALE, PURCHASE, POSSESSION, 
TILANSPORTATION, IMPORTATION, AND EXPORTATION 
OF SHARK FIN AND FOOD CONTAINING SHARK FIN
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Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
SECTION. 1. Declaration of Policy. -  It is declared a policy of 
the state to promote and ensure the development, management and 
conservation of aquatic resources, consistent with the objective of 
maintaining a sound ecological balance, and defending the environment. 
The Philippines shall pursue the objectives under the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora 
(CITES) and adopt a National Plan of Action for the Conservation and 
Management of Sharks (NPOA-Sharks) to conserve and sustain the 
country’s marine biodiversity by protecting sharks through the 
prohibition of the consumption of shark fm.
SEC. 2. Prohibited Acts. -  It shall be unlawful to sell, purchase, 
possess, transport, import, or export shark fin, in any state, condition or 
form, in the Philippines. It shall also be unlawful to sell, purchase, 
possess, make, transport, import, or export, any food products or by­
products containing, holding, incorporating, consisting or involving 
shark fm.
SEC. 3. Penalties. -  The following penalties shall be imposed 
upon commission of the following illegal acts:
a. The sale, transport, import or export of shark fm shall be 
punished with imprisonment of a minimum of six (6)


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years and one (1) day to twelve (12) years, or a fine of 
Three Hundred Thousand Pesos (PliP 300,000.00) to One 
Million Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 1,500,000.00) 
or both;
Purchase and consumption of shark fin, food products 
containing shark fin and by-products with shark fin shall 
be punished with imprisonment of six (6) months and one 
(1) day to six (6) years or a fine of One Hundred Fifty 
Thousand (PhP 150,000.00) to One Million Pesos (PhP 
1,000,000.00), or both.
SEC. 4. Implementing Agencies. -  The Department of Agriculture, 
specifically the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) 
shall be the lead agency in the implementation of this Act. The 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine National Police, 
and other law enforcement agencies shall likewise assist in the 
implementation of this Act.
SEC. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. -  Within sixty (60) 
days after the eftectivity of this Act, the BFAR, in coordination with the 
DTI shall issue the necessary rules and regulations for the effective 
implementation of this Act.
SEC. 6. Separability Clause. — If any section or provision of this 
Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remaining sections or 
provisions not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and 
effect.
SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. — All law, decrees, executive orders, 
rules and regulations, issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the 
provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
SEC. 8. Effectivity. -  This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days 
from its publication in the Official Gazette or in an newspaper of general 
circulation.
Approved,