Abalos seeks legislation to protect small fisherfolk, marine life

Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. with fisherfolk in Pola, Oriental Mindoro.

Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. vowed to craft remedial legislation that aims to protect the livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk following a recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling that allows commercial fishing vessels to operate within municipal waters.

Abalos expressed serious concern over the SC ruling’s far-reaching impact, warning that it threatens not only the livelihoods of small-scale fisherfolk but also the preservation and long-term sustainability of marine biodiversity.

“The Fisheries Code can be amended to address the specific issues raised by the Supreme Court,” Abalos said. “This would involve revising the definitions and regulations on municipal waters and clarifying the rights and access of different fishing sectors,” said Abalos, a lawyer and former secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

In a resolution dated August 19, 2024, the SC’s First Division upheld a Malabon City court decision, striking down the definition of municipal waters in the Fisheries Code, or Republic Act 8550, which was enacted in 1998, as unconstitutional. This ruling effectively allows commercial fishing operators with large vessels and advanced mechanical equipment to operate in these waters.

“If large vessels are allowed to operate here, fish stocks might be depleted, leaving our fishermen with less catch,” Abalos said. “What’s even worse is that even the small fish, which are not yet ready to be harvested, will also be taken. This will have a significant impact on our livelihood and our marine biodiversity”

Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.

Abalos recently visited Pola, Oriental Mindoro to check on residents and assess their recovery two years after the oil spill. During his visit, he warned the fishing community about the looming effects of the SC decision on commercial fishing.

“Hindi ako sumasang-ayon sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema. Tandaan ninyo ito—kasama ninyo ako, mga mangingisda ng Pola at sa buong bansa,” he said. “Ipaglalaban ko kayo.”

(I do not agree with the Supreme Court’s decision. Remember this—I stand with you, the fishermen of Pola and the entire country. I will fight for you.)

“Sa inyong lahat, tandaan ninyo ito: Nanalo tayo laban sa oil spill dahil nagkaisa tayo. At ngayon, mas mahalaga ang pagkakaisa natin para ipaglaban ang ating karapatan,” he added.

(Remember this: We won against the oil spill because we stood together. And now, we must be even more united in fighting for our rights.)

Abalos said he is strongly opposed to the ruling and will introduce legislative measures to restore protections for municipal fishers.

He warned that allowing commercial fishing fleets into municipal waters could lead to overfishing and marine resource depletion, threatening the food security and economic stability of coastal communities.

Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr.

The former Interior Secretary also underscored the broader economic implications of the ruling.

“You know that many of our fishermen rely on daily subsistence. We’re talking about nearly two million fisherfolk,” he said. “This isn’t just about their income—if fish stocks run out, our food security will also be at risk.”

He also called on fishing communities and local government units across the country to unite in defending their right to their traditional fishing grounds.

“We need to clearly define these protections,” he said. “If I am elected, I will push for a law that explicitly safeguards the rights of our fishermen—not just for them, but also to protect the sustainability of our natural resources.”