Abalos pledges law to protect small-scale fishers from SC ruling

Senatorial candidate Benhur Abalos pledged to push for legislative measures that would protect the livelihood of small-scale fisherfolk.

Abalos cited the need to amend the Fisheries Code in response to a Supreme Court ruling allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters, which could displace around two million fishers when implemented.

During an interview on Tuesday in Iloilo City, Abalos emphasized that the 15-kilometer zone from the coastline is crucial for small-scale fishermen's daily sustenance and livelihoods.

Abalos warned about the potential crisis resulting from the Supreme Court ruling, stressing its adverse impacts on marine biodiversity and sustainable fisheries management.

He assured fisherfolk during a convention of the Liga ng mga Barangay in Cebu that he fully supports their cause and vowed to pass legislation to address the issue once elected to the Senate.