Abalos vows to push for protection of small-scale fishermen

Senatorial candidate and former Interior secretary Benhur Abalos on Tuesday made a commitment to push for legislative measures that will protect the livelihood of small-scale fisherfolk. 

“The Fisheries Code can be amended to address the specific issues raised by the Supreme Court,” Abalos said in a press release.

“This would involve revising the definitions and regulations on municipal waters and clarifying the rights and access of different fishing sectors,” he added.

To recall, the Supreme Court's First Division upheld last year a regional trial court (RTC) decision that declared certain provisions of the Fisheries Code and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) unconstitutional.

It also issued a permanent injunction preventing authorities from enforcing the 15-kilometer municipal water limit.

Abalos stressed that allowing commercial and large-scale fishing in municipal waters would endanger not only the livelihood of local fishermen but also the preservation and long-term sustainability of marine biodiversity.

“If large vessels are allowed to operate here, fish stocks might be depleted, leaving our fishermen with less catch,” he said.

“What’s even worse is that even the small fish, which are not yet ready to be harvested, will also be taken. This will have a significant impact on our livelihood and our marine biodiversity,'' he added.

Abalos said this as he recently visited Pola, Oriental Mindoro to check on residents and assess their recovery two years after the oil spill. 

During his visit, he warned the fishing community about the looming crisis brought about by the ruling of the Supreme Court.

Abalos further underscored the broader economic implications of the ruling.

"You know that many of our fishermen rely on daily subsistence. We’re talking about nearly two million fisherfolk. This isn’t just about their income—if fish stocks run out, our food security will also be at risk,'' he said. —Anna Felicia Bajo/AOL, GMA Integrated News

For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.