By Dolly Yasa
BACOLOD CITY — Negros Occidental 2nd District Rep. Alfredo “Thirdy” Marañon III expressed support for efforts to ask the Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling allowing commercial fishing vessels within the 15-kilometer municipal waters.
Marañon told reporters over the weekend that protecting small fisherfolk should be a priority.
“For the sake of our two million fisherfolk, we should push for it,” he said.
He described the ruling as a “great disservice” to marginalized fishermen.
Marañon said he is working with others to file a motion for reconsideration before the Supreme Court.
“We are going to appeal to the Supreme Court,” he added.
Earlier, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said efforts are underway to challenge the ruling.
“We will join hands with other LGUs in asking the Supreme Court to reverse its decision,” Lacson said.
He warned that the ruling would put small-scale fisherfolk at a disadvantage while benefiting large commercial fishing operators.
“It will put our fisherfolk at a disadvantage and only benefit big players in commercial fishing, to the detriment of small-scale fishers,” he said.
Lacson has requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to pass a resolution opposing the decision.
He noted that the Supreme Court ruling was based on a technicality, saying, “It’s unfortunate. It would be interesting to know who was remiss in their job because they responded beyond the 15-day period.”
The governor expressed hope that an appeal would be filed soon.
“I think an appeal will come soon, and I hope the Supreme Court will listen to the merits,” he said.
At least 45,000 fisherfolk in Negros Occidental, including those in the PHP 1-billion blue crab industry, face serious threats due to the ruling, Lacson said.
“This is a serious concern for our local government, fisherfolk, and coastal communities,” he said in an earlier statement.
He urged government agencies, civil society, and the public to support municipal fishers and protect marine resources.
“We call on all stakeholders—government agencies, academe, civil society, and the public—to stand with us in safeguarding the welfare of our artisanal fishers and ensuring the sustainability of our coastal and marine ecosystems,” he said.
On Dec. 19, 2024, the Supreme Court of the Philippines issued a ruling removing the 15-kilometer municipal water demarcation, which previously prioritized municipal fisherfolk and regulated commercial fishing operations within these waters.
Lacson reaffirmed his commitment to protecting municipal fisherfolk.
“We reaffirm our commitment to protecting the rights of our municipal fisherfolk by advocating for their continued preferential access to the 15-kilometer municipal waters,” he said.
He added that the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, together with coastal local government units and partner organizations, stands in solidarity with the more than 2 million small-scale fishers nationwide.
“We recognize their invaluable role in marine conservation and local economies and strongly oppose any measures that threaten their access to these critical fishing grounds,” he said.
