Call to reverse SC ruling on municipal waters backed

MANILA, Philippines — Fishers’ group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) yesterday reiterated its call for the Supreme Court (SC) to reverse a ruling opening the country’s municipal waters to commercial fishing.

The group issued the statement following concerns raised by blue crab fishermen in Negros Occidental on the implications of the SC decision on their livelihood.

Pamalakaya vice chairman Ronnel Arambulo said the call should prompt the government to act urgently and prevent the ruling from taking effect.

“The sentiment of crab fishers in Negros Occidental was in addition to the opposition of fisherfolk in various areas in the country after the high tribunal  allowed commercial fishing in municipal waters,” Arambulo said.

He said the SC should take into consideration the call of stakeholders and reverse the decision.

“As of now, there has been no concrete action from the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) on the matter,” Arambulo said.

Citing reports, he said many commercial fishing vessels continue to operate in the municipal waters of Bataan, Batangas and La Union.

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) said the ruling threatens crab habitats along the Guimaras Strait and Visayan Sea. 

The MBCCI said the ruling affects 24 coastal towns and cities in Negros Occidental, 19 in Panay and five in Guimaras.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., whose family owns one of the largest commercial fishing enterprises in the country, expressed concern over the SC decision.

Tiu Laurel said the DA, through the Office of the Solicitor General, has filed a motion for reconsideration before the SC.