ILOILO – The Iloilo provincial government is preparing a position paper to express its opposition to the Supreme Court First Division’s decision allowing commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone.
Provincial officials fear this ruling will adversely impact the livelihood of small-scale fishermen, particularly in Northern Iloilo.
The Supreme Court recently upheld a regional trial court (RTC) decision declaring certain provisions of the Fisheries Code and its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) unconstitutional.
The RTC also issued a permanent injunction against enforcing the 15-kilometer municipal water limit.
Provincial Administrator Raul Banias convened a meeting on this with representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the Provincial Agriculture Office – Fishery Division, fisherfolk groups, the Provincial Legal Office, and other stakeholders. The discussion centered on the implications of the Supreme Court’s decision.
“This decision has grave adverse implications for municipal waters under the jurisdiction of coastal municipalities,” Banias said. “It allows large corporations to exploit areas within the 15-kilometer limit, leaving only a small portion for small fishermen.”
The provincial government plans to submit a position paper for endorsement by the Northern Iloilo Alliance for Development (NIAD), the Coastal Municipalities of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP). Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas, who chairs NIAD, will spearhead the initiative.
“In line with Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr.’s Social Justice Agenda, we are determined to pursue a legal battle and a broad public advocacy campaign to inform the public and the affected sector. We aim to have the Supreme Court review the decision en banc and, hopefully, secure its reversal,” Banias added.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture (DA) – BFAR has already filed a motion for reconsideration, emphasizing its commitment to seeking all legal remedies to address the decision’s far-reaching implications for sustainable resource management, environmental conservation, and fisherfolk livelihoods.
“DA-BFAR recognizes the gravity of this case, which could significantly impact national policies, environmental protection, and the welfare of affected communities,” the agency said in an official statement.
While awaiting the resolution of its motion, DA-BFAR remains dedicated to protecting the nation’s aquatic resources and ensuring the welfare of small-scale fishers and coastal communities. The agency also called for adherence to due process and transparency in the judicial proceedings, expressing hope for a resolution that balances environmental protection with the needs of affected stakeholders.
The provincial government’s position paper is expected to bolster efforts to protect Iloilo’s municipal waters from exploitation and preserve the livelihood of small fishermen./PN
