Former Senator and senatorial candidate Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan has vowed to address the issue of the 15-kilometer municipal water zone through legislation if he wins a Senate seat in the May elections.
Pangilinan issued this commitment during his dialogue with farmers and fisherfolk in Romblon, saying he vehemently opposes the Supreme Court’s order upholding the Malabon Regional Trial Court’s decision (RTC) declaring preferential access of small-scale fishers to municipal waters as unconstitutional.
“Nangangako ako hindi lang sa mga mangingisda dito sa Romblon kundi sa buong Pilipinas na magpapasa ako ng panukala para amyendahan ang batas na may kinalaman dito upang maayos na ang problemang ito kapag tayo’y nakabalik sa Senado,” Pangilinan said.
In an earlier press conference, Pangilinan expressed full support for the DA and BFAR’s move to appeal the High Court’s decision, emphasizing that the 15-kilometer municipal water zone is vital to the livelihood of small-scale fishermen.
“Susi ang municipal waters para gumanda ang kita at maprotektahan itong ating mga karagatan. May patunay din, ebidensya at research na nagpapakita, ‘pag ang municipal waters, nagtutulungan ang fisherfolk, ang DILG, ang Coast Guard, ang LGU, na tiyakin na masigla, well-managed ang municipal waters. Tumataas, gumaganda ang huli. Nagiging maayos, dagdag ang kita ng ating mga mangingisda,” Pangilinan said.
The former Senator emphasized that large commercial fishing vessels should keep out of municipal water zones and operate in other parts of the ocean instead.
“Tapos ito na ang commercial fishing papasok pa. Wala nang matitira roon. Tsaka malalaki ang barko nila. Doon na sila sa malayo. Ba’t sila nakikipagpilitan dito? Hindi tama yan. They have the capacity to go out, let them go out,” he emphasized.
If elected senator in the upcoming May elections, Pangilinan also promised to extend greater support to Romblon fishermen. In 2022, Pangilinan distributed 33 fishing boats to fishermen in the area, giving them more opportunity to increase their income.
He also committed to enacting new laws that will provide additional protection and assistance to small fishermen.
“Isa sa mga prayoridad natin ang kapakanan at kabuhayan ng ating mga mangingisda. Makikipagtulungan tayo sa mga kaukulang ahensya ng gobyerno para matiyak na mayroon silang sapat na kita para sa pangangailangan ng kanilang pamilya,” he said.
Pangilinan also plans to revive his push for the creation of a Department of Fisheries and work for the budget increase of the country’s fisheries sector.