Abalos: Protect our small fisherfolk

Former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. expressed his strong opposition to the Supreme Court ruling allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters, citing its harmful impact on small-scale fisherfolk and marine ecosystems.

“I am completely against it. The Fisheries Code gives priority to our small fisherfolk, and large commercial fishing vessels are not allowed to operate,” Abalos said in an interview at the Liga ng mga Barangay–Cebu Province Convention in Iloilo City.

“They depend on fishing for their daily livelihood,” he stressed.

Abalos warned that overturning the longstanding restriction could displace at least two million fisherfolk and their families.

“This provision has been in place for over 20 years. You can imagine the impact,” he said, emphasizing that small fishing vessels would struggle to compete and the increased commercial fishing could lead to overfishing, including the capture of juvenile fish.

He encouraged the affected stakeholders to challenge the ruling, noting that even the Department of Agriculture has filed a motion for reconsideration.

“They should file a lawsuit and submit a motion for reconsideration. The stronger the voices, the better,” he added.

The Supreme Court’s First Division, in a resolution dated 19 August 2024, upheld a Malabon City court ruling declaring unconstitutional the definition of municipal waters under the Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550).

The decision effectively opened municipal waters — previously reserved for small-scale fisherfolk — to commercial fishing with larger vessels and advanced gear.

Abalos, who is running for senator under the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, promised to prioritize the protection of municipal waters from commercial fishing if elected.

The Liga ng mga Barangay — Cebu Province Convention, held from 3 to 5 March, gathered around 8,000 barangay officials from across Cebu province.