Ex-DILG Chief Urges LGUs to Appeal SC Ruling

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Former Interior Secretary and senatorial candidate Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has urged local government units (LGUs) to challenge the Supreme Court’s ruling that allows commercial fishing in municipal waters, citing its detrimental effects on small-scale fisherfolk and marine resources.

The Supreme Court’s First Division, in a resolution dated Aug. 19, 2024, upheld a Malabon City court decision that declared the definition of municipal waters under the Fisheries Code (Republic Act 8550) unconstitutional.

This ruling opens municipal waters—previously reserved for small-scale fisherfolk—to commercial fishing operators using large vessels and advanced gear.

“I am totally against it,” Abalos said during an interview at the Liga ng mga Barangay – Cebu Province Convention in Iloilo City on March 4.

He stressed that municipal waters have long been designated to support the livelihoods of small-scale fishermen, warning that the ruling could negatively impact around two million fisherfolk and their families.

“You can just imagine the impact—small fishing vessels won’t be able to compete. The environmental consequences could also be severe, with the risk of juvenile fish being caught,” he said.

Abalos urged LGUs to file a motion for reconsideration, emphasizing that the Department of Agriculture has already taken legal steps to oppose the ruling.

“The stronger the collective voice, the better the chances of overturning this decision,” he added.

He also pledged that, if elected to the Senate, protecting municipal waters from commercial fishing would be a legislative priority.

The three-day Liga ng mga Barangay – Cebu Province Convention, held from March 3 to 5, gathered approximately 8,000 barangay officials from Cebu Province.

Iloilo, Guimaras Push Back Against SC Ruling

On Feb. 21, the Iloilo provincial government, led by Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr., filed a motion to intervene in support of petitioners seeking reconsideration of the Supreme Court ruling.

Provincial Legal Chief Atty. Dennis Ventilacion and Fisheries Division Head Felina Grace Basco submitted the motion following Resolution 2025-062, which authorized Defensor to oppose the decision.

Meanwhile, on Feb. 28, Guimaras announced the submission of 10,000 signatures opposing the ruling.

The petition, spearheaded by the Provincial Fisherfolk Representative, the Provincial Office for Agricultural Services (POAS), and municipal agriculture offices, highlighted concerns over declining fish stocks, habitat destruction, and threats to local livelihoods.