ILOILO – The provincial government, through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAgrO), is compiling position papers from coastal municipalities, fisherfolk groups, and other concerned parties to formally oppose the Supreme Court (First Division) ruling allowing commercial fishing vessels to operate within the 15-kilometer municipal water zone.
PAgrO head Dr. Ildefonso Toledo confirmed that submissions have started arriving at his office and are expected to increase in the coming days.
He warned that allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters would severely impact small-scale fisherfolk, who rely on these areas for their livelihood.
“The coastal resources have a carrying capacity that municipal fisheries can sustain because their fishing methods are not as efficient or destructive. If commercial fishing, which is highly effective and extracts large volumes of fish at once, is allowed, it will create serious challenges in managing our coastal resources,” he explained.
The provincial government has set a deadline until February to consolidate the documents before forwarding them to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) or the Supreme Court for reconsideration.
“We were taken aback by this decision, but we respect the ruling. However, many opposition papers are now circulating, and we hope to submit them to the Supreme Court to appeal for a reconsideration,” Toledo said.
He explained that once all submissions from the 19 coastal municipalities and fisherfolk organizations are consolidated, the provincial government will present its collective stand. Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. may personally represent Iloilo in discussions with BFAR and the Supreme Court.
A few weeks ago, Provincial Administrator Dr. Raul Banias met with Oceana, led by Atty. Gloria E. Ramos, at the provincial capitol to discuss the Supreme Court ruling’s impact and potential avenues for appeal.
“The province, under the clear directive of Governor Defensor, will join the voices questioning this ruling. It is a clear social injustice against artisanal fishermen and undermines the autonomy of local government units. This decision contradicts the principles of social justice that guide our province’s policies and programs. Our opposition will be loud and resounding, and we hope to be heard,” Banias said.
He further said that the provincial government will mobilize its legal team, gather support from coastal LGUs, and seek backing from organizations such as the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Northern Iloilo Alliance for Development (NIAD), Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), League of Provinces, and organized fisherfolk associations./PN
