SEN. IMEE MARCOS CALLS FOR A REVIEW OF THE FISHERIES CODE

Sen. Imee Marcos has called for a review of the Philippine Fisheries Code (RA 8550) to protect small-scale fishers amid environmental changes and a recent Supreme Court ruling allowing commercial vessels in municipal waters.

She suggested revisiting her father’s fisheries policy, which considered both distance and depth in defining municipal waters.

Marcos emphasized that climate change is altering ocean levels, which could impact fishing territories under the current law.

She also called for clearer definitions of “access” in fisheries legislation to prevent conflicts between small-scale and commercial fishers.

The Supreme Court’s decision on Dec. 20, 2024, has raised concerns among fisherfolk groups, as it could allow commercial fishing in nearly 90 percent of coastal waters, affecting over two million small-scale fishers.
Source: PhilNews24 | February 14, 2025