The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources AdCom Secretariat conducted its Year-End Performance Review and Case Conference from December 4 to 8, 2023, at the Agricultural Training Institute, Baybay, Leyte. This event was attended by the Hearing Officers and Administrative/Legal Assistants from both the BFAR National and Regional Adjudication Committee Secretariat (N/RACS).
During the review, each representative from N/RACS presented their accomplishments for 2023, including the number of cases they received and resolved, as well as the issues they encountered in the performance of their functions. They also discussed possible solutions/strategies to address the same.
This comprehensive assessment attests to the Committee’s assiduous commitment to the dispensation of justice in matters pertaining to fisheries and aquatic resources in the most just, expeditious, and inexpensive manner possible. This effort resulted in a total of 903 cases resolved within the fiscal period, with a total settlement penalty paid of PHP 49.9M, as of this writing.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming 31st Regular Meeting of the AdCom, the Hearing Officers also conducted their case conference to meticulously review all the full-blown administrative cases submitted for the deliberation of the Committee, pursuant to Section 130 of the Amended Fisheries Code.