Senator Kiko Pangilinan raised alarm over declining catches for small-scale fishers following a Supreme Court ruling allowing commercial fishing in municipal waters.
The decision overturned the 15-kilometer exclusive zone previously reserved for local fisherfolk, citing constitutional issues with preferential provisions in the Fisheries Code.
Pangilinan noted that commercial fishing output rose from 822,427.47 metric tons in 2023 to 849,498.89 metric tons in 2025, while municipal fisheries fell from 879,961.58 to 749,366.40 metric tons over the same period.
He emphasized that the law should prioritize substantial justice over technicalities to protect small fishers’ livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has filed a pending motion for reconsideration against the Supreme Court decision.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 20, 2026
