Romualdez pledges support for Iloilo fisherfolk against SC ruling on commercial fishing

House Speaker Martin Romualdez committed to help Iloilo fisherfolk protect their livelihood from commercial fishing operations encroaching on their traditional fishing grounds.

During a meeting with Sicogon Island fisherfolks in Carles town, Iloilo, on Friday, March 7, the fishers expressed concerns over an August 2024 Supreme Court ruling that permits commercial vessels to operate within municipal waters.

Romualdez assured the fisherfolk of his support and promised to use all available resources to assist them in overturning the SC ruling by involving the Office of the Solicitor General.

The fishers fear that allowing commercial fishing in their municipal waters will threaten their livelihood, leading to income loss and potential damage to marine ecosystems.

Several bills have been filed in the House of Representatives to amend the Philippine Fisheries Code, including HB No. 6381, which proposes a 10-kilometer buffer zone beyond municipal waters to protect small-scale fishers.

Oceana Philippines, Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, and other groups previously filed a petition to challenge the Supreme Court's decision in January.