Sen. Kiko Pangilinan expressed concern over the steady decline in catches for small-scale fisherfolk following a Supreme Court ruling that permits commercial fishing companies to operate in municipal waters. Philippine Statistics Authority data shows municipal fisheries output dropped from 879,961.58 metric tons in 2023 to 749,366.40 metric tons in 2025, while commercial catches rose.
During a hearing on February 18, Sen. Kiko Pangilinan noted that prior to the Supreme Court ruling, a 15-kilometer exclusive zone in municipal waters was reserved solely for small-scale fisherfolk. The Supreme Court upheld a lower court's decision declaring the preferential provisions in the Fisheries Code unconstitutional.
"Malaki ang increase ng commercial fishing habang bagsak naman ang production ng inland municipal and marine municipal fisheries. So, doon pa lang makikita bakit gumanda 'yung huli ng commercial at bumagsak ang huli ng inland at small fishers," Pangilinan stated.
Philippine Statistics Authority data as of February 2026 indicates commercial fisheries output increased from 822,427.47 metric tons in 2023 to 849,498.89 metric tons in 2025. Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture has filed a motion for reconsideration against the Supreme Court decision, which remains pending.
"There is a principle in the law that says substantial justice should be given more weight than these technicalities. Technicalities should not defeat substantial justice," Pangilinan added in a mix of English and Filipino. The issue highlights tensions between protections for small fisherfolk and rights of the commercial sector.