TALISAY CITY, NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Senatorial candidates of the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas on Friday vowed to amend Republic Act No. 8550, or the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, to protect small-scale fishermen following a Supreme Court ruling that allows large commercial fishing vessels to enter municipal waters.

The ruling, which struck down the 15-kilometer municipal water limit, has raised fears of overfishing and economic losses for small-scale fishermen, putting coastal communities, including Negros Occidental’s P2-billion blue crab industry, at risk.

In a press conference, reelectionist Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, former Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar underscored the urgent need to revise the law to ensure the protection of small fisherfolk and marine resources.

Tolentino acknowledged the concerns of local fishermen, particularly those in Negros Occidental, and stressed that Congress has the power to correct the impact of the high court decision.

“Siguro ang isang pinangangambahan ninyo ay ‘yung lumabas na desisyon ng Supreme Court na pinapayagan ang big commercial fishing vessels to enter municipal waters at ito ay makakasagabal, direct competitor ng blue crab producers,” he said.

He noted that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has already filed a motion for reconsideration, but Congress must act to ensure long-term protection.

“That does not prevent the Congress, including the Senate, from enacting a law clearly specifying this is municipal waters and big trawlers and commercial vessels can no longer enter. Mababago namin ‘yung batas,” Tolentino said.

Sotto, a principal author of the country’s Fisheries Code, underscored the need to update the law based on current realities, saying it must be revised to strengthen safeguards for municipal fishermen.

“We should amend the [Fisheries Code]. We can amend it based on what’s happening all throughout the country, not only the area of Negros,” Sotto said.

Abalos stressed that protecting local fishing grounds must be a legislative priority.

“Even with a Supreme Court ruling, Congress and the Senate can still enact a law to address this. Para sa akin, dapat proteksyunan natin lalo na ang mga mangroves at ang mga blue crabs—alimasag in Tagalog—dahil kung hindi, mauubos nang husto ‘yan. [The municipal waters] must be clearly delineated,” Abalos said.

For her part, Villar said lawmakers should work closely with local governments and communities to provide alternative solutions while waiting for legislative reforms.

The Supreme Court ruling has caused concern among fisherfolk in Negros Occidental, where the blue crab industry provides thousands of jobs.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Jester P. Manalastas