By By Juliane Judilla
Hundreds of fisherfolk in Miagao, Iloilo, gathered for a forum-discussion organized by the University Student Council of the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV), and UPV Oikos Ecological Movement at the Audio Visual Hall, College of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, UPV, Miagao, Iloilo, on March 5, to discuss the landmark ruling of the Supreme Court allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters.
MAKABAYAN senatorial candidate and fisherfolk leader Ronnel Arambulo of Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamalakaya ng Pilipinas (PAMALAKAYA) discussed the repercussions of the ruling on small-scale fisherfolk, especially in coastal communities like Miagao.
Arambulo stressed the almost passive actions of the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (DA-BFAR) in deliberately delaying their response during the court trials, as well as Judge Zaldy Docena’s role in similar court cases, such as suspending the prohibition on the use of hulbot-hulbot and enforcing mandatory vessel monitoring.
Additionally, he highlighted that the current plight of the fisherfolk community is not isolated, and regardless of its scope, it should be addressed accordingly.
“Although we live in different regions, we are experiencing the same thing. The Aquatic Reform Bill, that is what we will push for, so that we can rise up and ensure that our livelihoods are protected,” he said.
Meanwhile, Manuel Naciongayo Jr., president of the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (MFARMC) of Miagao, shared the current struggles of the sector within their locality.
“We are slowly being killed. Compared to commercial operators capable of amassing tons of catch within hours, municipal fishers face costs that are higher than their earnings,” Naciongayo said.
“Commercial fishing vessels are equipped with underwater superlights and sonars, as well as active fishing gears, ensuring the rapid depletion of marine resources,” he added.
Arambulo and Naciongayo reiterated their call for the public to unite, sign the petition, demand accountability and support from LGUs, and continue fighting for small-scale fishers, mentioning that gathering signatures from at least 3% of the national population could potentially overturn the ruling.
Arambulo asserts that while fisherfolk from different areas and regions continue to face the threats of bigger corporations in waters meant for them, they will continue to fight for not just the sector’s livelihood but also the rights of every fisherfolk.
“As long as the problem is not addressed, this will be the basis for how we will act. We will return to the streets again and again as long as we are united,” Arambulo added.
The Supreme Court First Division, on December 18, 2024, affirmed the decision of the Malabon Regional Trial Court, allowing commercial fishing operations within the jurisdiction of coastal local government units (LGUs). It declared the Fisheries Code’s preferential access provisions unconstitutional, thereby allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters following a petition filed by Mercidar Fishing Corp. The ruling grants commercial fishing vessels permission to fish in waters deeper than 7.3 fathoms, or 42 feet. Nearly 90% of municipal waters are deeper than 7 fathoms. According to PAMALAKAYA, this decision spells the loss of livelihood for 2.3 million small-scale fishermen nationwide./PT
