The Department of Agriculture (DA) is asking the Supreme Court (SC) to reconsider its decision striking down the government’s mandatory vessel monitoring system for commercial fishing vessels, warning that the ruling could weaken efforts to combat illegal fishing and jeopardize seafood exports.

Through the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), the agency will file a motion for reconsideration seeking to reverse the High Tribunal’s ruling that declared Fisheries Administrative Order No. 266 unconstitutional.

The voided order required Philippine-flagged commercial fishing vessels to install vessel monitoring systems and submit electronic catch reports.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel Jr. said Monday that the government remains confident the Supreme Court will uphold the policy.

He stressed that commercial fishing licenses are privileges granted by the state and are subject to regulation under the amended Fisheries Code of 1998.

“We are fairly confident the Supreme Court will reconsider the ruling, and allow us to use this internationally recognized vessel monitoring system as the most effective way to deal with illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing as it relies on electronic data and not manual filing of commercial fishing firms,” Laurel said.

BFAR officials said the vessel monitoring system serves as a primary tool for enforcing fisheries regulations, monitoring closed fishing seasons, verifying catch records, improving traceability and investigating illegal operations.

The bureau warned that the court’s decision poses a broader policy challenge as the Philippines works to meet international commitments to eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

In a statement, BFAR said it respects the Supreme Court’s decision while pursuing the motion for reconsideration, adding that the regulation aligns with the public’s constitutional right to a healthy environment.

It also said it will review its implementation mechanisms to ensure future monitoring frameworks comply with constitutional safeguards while continuing to protect marine resources.