Fisherfolk protest SC ruling on Fisheries Code

Fisherfolk group Pangisda Pilipinas protested outside the Supreme Court on Thursday, marking the 27th anniversary of Republic Act No. 8550, also known as the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.

The group opposes a recent court decision that declared parts of the Fisheries Code unconstitutional, allowing large fishing vessels to enter municipal waters up to 15 kilometers from shore.

Pangisda president Pablo Rosales expressed concern over the impact on small-scale fishers' livelihoods and safety, noting their average catch had already dropped significantly due to commercial fishing incursions.

Rosales urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its earlier ruling, emphasizing that small fisherfolk are bearing the brunt of this decision as commercial fishing increases in municipal waters, affecting both catches and equipment.

Lawmakers have also sought an inquiry into the impact of allowing commercial fishing within municipal waters, which Rosales said would further harm small-scale fishers who cannot venture far from their home shores.