Aquino pleased with EU’s decision lifting ban on PH fish exports

President Benigno Aquino III. AP FILE PHOTO

The Aquino government is pleased with the decision of the European Union (EU) to lift its “yellow-card warning” on the Philippines.

The said warning was issued by the EU after “the Philippines had previously not done enough to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.”

The so-called “yellow card” issued in June 2014 served as a warning that, unless the Philippines implemented stronger measures against IUU fishing, Philippine fish exports would be permanently banned in the EU.

“I am pleased to report that, as of today, the EU has lifted its yellow-card warning against the Philippines,” President Benigno Aquino III said in a statement.

Aquino said during his trip to Europe, he discussed the issue with EU officials to ensure that the Philippines is on the right track.

“This is why I tasked concerned agencies to work tirelessly to comply with the EU’s requirements,” he said.

The President assured the government would “continue implementing reforms to avoid a similar situation in the future, and strengthen our fishing industry.”

“We are determined to do so, knowing just how many of our countrymen depend on this for their livelihood,” he said.

On Tuesday, the EU removed the Philippines from the list of countries that lack in the implementation of measures against illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. TVJ

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